Work

Morphological evaluation of green synthesized, modified TiO2 and ZnO nanomaterials and their photocatalytic behavior in water treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The emergence of nanotechnology has opened new avenues for various nano-structured materials, especially in wastewater treatment applications. However, the chemical reagents and processes for developing nanomaterials often lead to secondary pollution. Thus, environmentally friendly fabrication methods, particularly for TiO 2 and ZnO photocatalysts, have been of interest. These methods include preparation of the photocatalysts with biomolecules derived from various biological sources resulting in lower toxicity, higher stability and enhanced physicochemical, biological and optical features. Thus, this review focuses on advances in green synthetic approaches utilizing various biomolecule-containing sources such as plants, fungi, algae and bacteria to develop TiO 2 and ZnO semiconductor photocatalysts. Furthermore, it gives insight into the photocatalytic applications of TiO 2 and ZnO towards the removal of textile and pharmaceutical-based organic pollutants in simulated and real water samples. This is followed by the evaluation of the advantages and limitations of green synthesized TiO 2 and ZnO materials over conventional approaches through synthesis mechanisms, light absorption properties, removal efficiencies and degradation pathways. Finally, the review outlines future prospects, challenges, and potential directions of these advanced green methods and materials.

Source: Environmental Functional Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.efmat.2025.07.003