Nanoscale structures in photocatalysis: Dense films, molecular imprinting and composites

Abstract

The use of nano-scale structures in photocatalysis is not limited to nano-scale corrugation induced by sintered nanocrystals, but extends far beyond. Two examples, discussed hereby, are molecularly -imprinted photocatalysts and nano -composite photocatalysts comprised of CNTs and TiO 2 particles within a polymeric nano-fibrous matrix.

Preparation of inorganic-framework molecularly imprinted TiO2/SiO2 nanofibers by one-step electrospinning and their highly selective photodegradation

“…But the concentration of pollutants with high toxicity is often low in environmental water, so the lack of selectivity leads to inefficiency in water treatment. 14,15 Therefore, it is necessary to modify the TiO 2 photocatalysts to achieve the photodegradation of the target pollutants and develop an efficient method for wastewater treatment.…”