Visible-light active nanomaterials for environmental remediation – A mini review

Abstract

For the past few decades, industries like dyeing, paper, and textile industries have been releasing potentially hazardous substances which may affect human health. The majority of the pollutants present in water bodies comprise dyes. Although various traditional methods have been employed to treat wastewater from industries, recent advances in technology depict tapping of solar energy using visible light photocatalysts to remove toxic dyes hazardous to health. Nanomaterials have proved to enhance the properties of any material they are incorporated into, especially due to their increased surface areas in the case of catalysts, resulting in more interaction with the substrate. The uses of nanomaterials in photocatalytic degradation activities have also proven to increase degradation efficiencies. The present study is intended to provide a broad overview of the various contaminants, especially dyes, polluting the environment and the visible-light-active nanomaterials-related technologies available for their degradation. Further, the advantages of using such materials and technologies in improving the environment and human health will be discussed in detail, and the foundation for further development in this area will be highlighted.