Recent advancements, modification strategies, and practical implications in semiconductor photocatalysts for efficient wastewater treatment: A review
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Energy-efficient semiconductor photocatalysis efficiently degrades contaminants and transforms them into eco-friendly substances. The attractive properties make this approach a potential wastewater treatment alternative. Although promising, the semiconductor materials possess limitations. This study examines fundamentals of photocatalysis, potential semiconductor materials, bibliometric background (2007-2025), sophisticated modification techniques, practical application, and future research trends in the field, differentiating it from conventional studies. This study investigates the efficacy and mechanisms of LDHs, piezo-photocatalysts, g-C3N4, TiO2, perovskite, ZnO, and MOFs. Modification techniques include bandgap engineering, heterojunction formation, synergetic-assisted surface plasmon-resonance, defect manipulation, and co-catalyst combination. Cutting-edge approaches improve innovative light-driven composite materials to address existing challenges. The extensive research shows how structural and electrical adjustments affect semiconductor photocatalysts’ performance, such as active and broad-efficient light absorption, charge separation dynamics, and contaminant degradation kinetics. The present research addresses complex structure-activity correlations to facilitate the transition of laboratory discoveries to an industrial scale. For multi-mechanistic photocatalysis, we examine sustainable synthesis, interface engineering, and integrated renewable-energy-driven photoreactors. The study aims to analyze materials and link theoretical advances with experimental validation and practical relevance. Further investigation into enhanced photoactivity and its practical applications is recommended. In a flexible, carbon-free economy, semiconductor photocatalysis is essential for AOPs and wastewater treatment.
DOI: 10.4491/eer.2025.435
Institutions: Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, University of Technology Malaysia, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Sultan Idris Education University, University of Education, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Saveetha University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125943075