Modulation of Z-scheme Photocatalysts for Pharmaceuticals Remediation and Pathogen Inactivation: Design Devotion, Concept Examination, and Developments

Overview

Journal Chem Eng J

Publisher Elsevier

Date 2022 Sep 5

PMID 36060035

Authors

Mope Edwin Malefane

Potlako John Mafa

Thabo Thokozani Innocent Nkambule

Muthumuni Elizabeth Managa

Alex Tawanda Kuvarega

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The recent outbreak of Covid-19 guarantees overconsumption of different drugs as a necessity to reduce the symptoms caused by this pandemic. This triggers the proliferation of pharmaceuticals into drinking water systems. Is there any hope for access to safe drinking water? Photocatalytic degradation using artificial Z-scheme photocatalysts that has been employed for over a decade conveys a prospect for sustainable clean water supply. It is compelling to comprehensively summarise the state-of-the-art effects of Z-scheme photocatalytic systems towards the removal of pharmaceuticals in water. The principle of Z-scheme and the techniques used to validate the Z-scheme interfacial charge transfer are explored in detail. The application of the Z-scheme photocatalysts towards the degradation of antibiotics, NSAIDs, and bacterial/viral inactivation is deliberated. Conclusions and stimulating standpoints on the challenges of this emergent research direction are presented. The insights and up-to-date information will prompt the up-scaling of Z- scheme photocatalytic systems for commercialization.

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