Chalcogenide Materials in Water Purification: Advances in Adsorptive and Photocatalytic Removal of Organic Pollutants

Abstract

Chalcogenide-based materials, known for their unique physicochemical properties, emerge as promising solutions for the removal of hazardous organic pollutants, such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides, from water and wastewater. This review examines the latest developments in the synthesis, structural optimization, and application of chalcogenide materials for environmental remediation. The past decade has witnessed remarkable advances in controlling the composition and structure of chalcogenide materials at the atomic level. The development of precise synthetic methods enables the creation of complex hierarchical structures, heterojunctions, and hybrid materials, leading to significant improvements in photocatalytic efficiency, stability, and selectivity for various environmental applications. Key emphasis is placed on adsorption and photocatalysis as green technologies, offering efficient pathways for pollutant removal. Mechanistic insights into the interactions between chalcogenide materials and contaminants are explored, providing a comprehensive understanding of their performance. Furthermore, challenges such as toxicity, scalability, and operational stability are discussed alongside future prospects for integrating these materials into industrial-scale water treatment systems. This review aims to inspire continued innovation in sustainable water purification technologies using chalcogenides.