Nanomaterials for Removal of Phenolic Derivatives from Water Systems: Progress and Future Outlooks

Abstract

Environmental pollution remains one of the most challenging problems facing society worldwide. Much of the problem has been caused by human activities and increased usage of various useful chemical agents that inadvertently find their way into the environment. Triclosan (TCS) and related phenolic compounds and derivatives belong to one class of such chemical agents. In this work, we provide a mini review of these emerging pollutants and an outlook on the state-of-the-art in nanostructured adsorbents and photocatalysts, especially nanostructured materials, that are being developed to address the problems associated with these environmental pollutants worldwide. Of note, the unique properties, structures, and compositions of mesoporous nanomaterials for the removal and decontamination of phenolic compounds and derivatives are discussed. These materials have a great ability to scavenge, adsorb, and even photocatalyze the decomposition of these compounds to mitigate/prevent their possible harmful effects on the environment. By designing and synthesizing them using silica and titania, which are easier to produce, effective adsorbents and photocatalysts that can mitigate the problems caused by TCS and its related phenolic derivatives in the environment could be fabricated. These topics, along with the authors’ remarks, are also discussed in this review.

Multifunctional Manganese–Nucleotide Laccase-Mimicking Nanozyme for Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Visual Assay of Epinephrine via Smartphone

“…1,2 They are widely present in industries such as petrochemicals, printing and dyeing, textiles, and pesticides. 3,4 Furthermore, phenolic pollutants are typically organic compounds that exhibit high toxicity, persistence, and mobility. These pollutants can permeate into the bloodstream of human cells, posing a serious threat to the endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems.…”

“…Phenolic pollutants, such as chlorophenols and bisphenols, cause great harm to the ecological environment. , They are widely present in industries such as petrochemicals, printing and dyeing, textiles, and pesticides. , Furthermore, phenolic pollutants are typically organic compounds that exhibit high toxicity, persistence, and mobility. These pollutants can permeate into the bloodstream of human cells, posing a serious threat to the endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems. , Therefore, the detection and degradation of phenolic pollutants have great significance.…”