Titanium Dioxide-Based Photocatalysts for Degradation of Emerging Contaminants including Pharmaceutical Pollutants

Abstract

Contamination of the environment has been a growing problem in recent years. Due to the rapid growth in human population, the expansion of cities, along with the development of industry, more and more dangerous chemicals end up in the environment, especially in soil and water. For the most part, it is not possible to effectively remove chemicals through traditional remediation techniques, because those used in treatment plants are not specifically designed for this purpose. Therefore, new approaches for water remediation are in great demand. Many efforts have been focused on applications of photocatalysis for the remediation of chemical pollutants including drugs. Titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles have particularly been considered as potential photocatalysts due to their favorable properties. In this article, we present the problem of emerging contaminants including drugs and discuss the use of photocatalysts based on titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles for their degradation. A wide selection of materials, starting from bare TiO2, via its hybrid and composite materials, are discussed including those based on carbonaceous materials or connections with macrocyclic structures. Examples of photodegradation experiments on TiO2-based materials including those performed with various active pharmaceutical ingredients are also included.

Design and Preparation of Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon Loaded TiO2 Photocatalyst for Photocatalytic Degradation of Reactive Red 120 and Ofloxacin

“…Due to its highly promising qualities such as high photocatalytic effectiveness, sufficient chemical and biological stability, cost-effective synthesis, non-noxious nature, and long-term stability, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) is an efficient and renowned photocatalyst [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Photocatalytic elimination of dangerous environmental contaminants mediated by TiO 2 is a potential method for treating biorecalcitrant organic waste materials [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Moreover, the applications related to the removal of pollutants, bacterial disinfection, H 2 production, CO 2 reduction, sensors, supercapacitors, and other fields are well documented [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Characteristics of Doped TiO2 Nanoparticle Photocatalysts Prepared by the Rotten Egg White

“…For this reason, many researchers have assessed various scientific methods for the preparation and modification of TiO 2 photocatalysts, using different preparation methods or preparation conditions, in addition to related technologies such as doping of different elements, semiconductor compounding, and the introduction of template agents. Through this research, the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 may be able to be improved, and semiconductor-based research on photocatalysis has received extensive attention [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Element-doped TiO 2 is regarded as a promising way in which to obtain a more effective photocatalyst.…”

One‐Step Synthesis of Sulfate‐Modified Titania Nanoparticles with Surface Acidic and Sustained Photocatalytic Properties via Solid‐State Thermolysis of Titanyl Sulfate

“…Early reports of the photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 and its ability to oxidize organic molecules under UV illumination were published already in the 1950s. [1] Since then TiO 2 has been extensively investigated as an abundant and environmentally benign photocatalyst for both water remediation [2][3][4][5] and removal of air pollutants. [6] The basic mechanism of TiO 2 photocatalysis for organic photo-degradation is fairly well-established.…”