Heterogeneous photocatalysis scalability for environmental remediation: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an ecofriendly technique for purifying organic pollutants in environmental systems. While pilot-scale photoreactors have explored photocatalytic system upscalibility, their practical implementation is restricted for various reasons. These include feed composition alteration, complicated photoreactor designs, high operation and synthesis costs, photocatalyst poisoning, low quantum yield under solar irradiation, fast exciton recombination, and low reuse or regeneration capabilities. In this paper, we highlight the photocatalyst scalability challenges for real-world applications. We also provide an in-depth discussion on photocatalyst opportunities for effective air and water pollution control. Lastly, we offer a contemporary perspective on photocatalysis scale-up for the real environmental treatment.