Recent Achievements in Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Water Contaminants

Abstract

The chemical complexity of organic contaminants (drugs, agrochemicals, and dyes) requires new, more advanced ways to remove them from water compared to the conventional treatment methods used. One such method is photocatalytic degradation. In this paper, the mechanism of degradation of harmful organic compounds using semiconductor materials with photocatalytically active properties in the presence of UV or visible radiation will be explained. Methods and selection of components for the preparation of the latest developed photocatalysts, their stability, as well as the percentage of organic contaminant removal will be discussed. The discussion will also cover the advantages and drawbacks of photocatalytic methods, as well as future research in this area.