A Critical Review of the Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceutical Residues by a TiO₂-Based Photocatalyst

Abstract

Creating photocatalytic materials to generate clean energy and for ecological detoxification has been a challenge as far as meeting the worldwide demand for energy and cutting pollution is concerned. Anti-inflammatory medicines and pharmaceutically active chemicals (PhACs) are frequently found in wastewater. Since conventional wastewater treatment facilities do not completely remove these micropollutants (pharmaceuticals), alternatives are required. It is still difficult to make an inert and efficient nano-photocatalyst like titanium dioxide (TiO₂). TiO₂ photocatalysts have been extensively utilized as innovative photocatalysts for treating contamination because of their distinctive physicochemical characteristics, less toxic nature, biological inertness, improved energy efficiency, low-temperature reaction conditions, insolubility in water, easy accessibility, highly stable chemical nature and natural environmentally friendliness. However, their large band gap energy, that can only be generated under UV light and quickly with charge carrier recombination, restricts their photocatalytic applications. Its band gap energy was additionally decreased in order to be active in visible light in a variety of methods. Recent research developments concerning the TiO₂-based heterostructure as a photocatalyst as well as its modifications, factors and removal method are summarized in this review which concludes with an overview and viewpoints on the present difficulties as well as fresh lines of inquiry in this developing field of study.