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Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater
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Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Photocatalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 9954

Editor

Prof. Dr. Zhi Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: photocatalysis; photodegradation; wastewater treatment; CO2 reduction; energy conversion; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With ever-increasing industrialization and urbanization, wastewater contamination has become a critical environmental challenge. Traditional treatment methods often fall short in effectively removing persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants. Photocatalysis, leveraging light-driven chemical reactions, offers a promising solution, through the degradation of pollutants into harmless byproducts. Researchers are focusing on enhancing the efficiency of photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), by doping with metals or non-metals to improve visible light absorption. Novel materials like graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are also gaining attention due to their high surface areas and tunable properties. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology has led to the development of nanostructured photocatalysts, which offer higher reactivity and better pollutant adsorption. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), combined with photocatalysis, are also being explored to further boost degradation rates.

This Special Issue highlights the growing need for sustainable and efficient water treatment technologies and aims to showcase cutting-edge research, including advancements in photocatalyst design, mechanistic insights, and scalable applications. Any original papers that address key challenges such as catalyst efficiency, stability, and recyclability, and which seek to foster innovation and collaboration in developing eco-friendly and cost-effective wastewater treatment, are welcome.

If you would like to submit papers for publication in this Special Issue or have any questions, please contact the in-house Editor, Mr. Ives Liu (ives.liu@mdpi.com).

Dr. Zhi Zhu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • photocatalytic degradation
  • photodegradation
  • wastewater treatment
  • emerging contaminants
  • nanostructured photocatalysts
  • advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3138 KB  
Article
Construction of BiOBr/BNQDs Heterostructure Photocatalyst and Performance Studies of Photocatalytic Degradation of RhB
by Yufeng Qin, Xinyu Peng, Tong Wu, Yi Zhong, Hong Xu, Zhiping Mao and Linping Zhang
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080771 - 13 Aug 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2117
Abstract
As a common semiconductor material, BiOBr has a unique layered structure and a suitable bandgap. However, the slow electron–hole separation efficiency leads to poor photocatalytic performance. To solve this problem, BiOBr/BNQDs heterojunctions were constructed. BiOBr/BNQDs composite photocatalysts were prepared by the solvothermal method, [...] Read more.
As a common semiconductor material, BiOBr has a unique layered structure and a suitable bandgap. However, the slow electron–hole separation efficiency leads to poor photocatalytic performance. To solve this problem, BiOBr/BNQDs heterojunctions were constructed. BiOBr/BNQDs composite photocatalysts were prepared by the solvothermal method, and the cocatalyst BNQDs were loaded onto BiOBr via electrostatic adsorption to enhance the photocatalytic degradation activity towards Rhodamine B (RhB). The photocatalysts were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, UV-Vis, PL, EIS, etc. Compared with pure BiOBr, the construction of heterojunctions BiOBr/BNQDs realized the rapid elimination of weak carriers and the effective separation and enrichment of high-energy carriers, which improved the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of RhB. Among them, BiOBr/BNQDs-8.3% demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity. The degradation rate of RhB under visible light irradiation for 60 min was up to 98.56%, and the reaction rate constant was 0.0696 min−1, which was 2.80 times that of pure BiOBr. Moreover, after five photocatalytic cycles, the degradation rate was still 87.58%, demonstrating good cycling stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater)
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10 pages, 2488 KB  
Article
Photothermal-Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic by Black g-C3N4 Materials Derived from C/N Precursors and Tetrachlorofluorescein
by Xiyuan Gao, Pengnian Shan, Weilong Shi and Feng Guo
Catalysts 2025, 15(5), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15050504 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1708
Abstract
The development of photothermal-assisted photocatalytic systems with broad-spectrum solar utilization and high charge separation efficiency remains a critical challenge for antibiotic degradation. Herein, we report novel black g-C3N4 (BCN) materials synthesized via a one-step thermal copolymerization strategy using C/N precursors [...] Read more.
The development of photothermal-assisted photocatalytic systems with broad-spectrum solar utilization and high charge separation efficiency remains a critical challenge for antibiotic degradation. Herein, we report novel black g-C3N4 (BCN) materials synthesized via a one-step thermal copolymerization strategy using C/N precursors and tetrachlorofluorescein. After the introduction of tetrachlorofluorescein, the color of the sample changes, which gives BCN enhanced light absorption and a significant photothermal effect for poorly heating-assisted photocatalysis. The synergistic coupling of photothermal and photocatalytic processes enabled the optimal BCN-U sample to achieve exceptional degradation efficiency (89% within 120 min) for a typical antibiotic (e.g., tetracycline) under an LED lamp as the visible light source, outperforming conventional yellow g-C3N4 (YCN-U) by a factor of 1.37. Mechanistic studies revealed that the photothermal effect facilitates carrier separation via thermal-driven electron excitation while accelerating reactive oxygen species (•OH and •O2−) generation. The synergistic interplay between photocatalysis and photothermal effects, which improved mass transfer, ensures robust stability, which provides new insights into designing dual-functional carbon nitride-based materials for sustainable environmental remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater)
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15 pages, 3910 KB  
Article
Incorporating Ag Nanocrystals with LaFeO3 Photocathodes Towards Greatly Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Properties
by Sijie Li, Hao Zeng, Jiaqi Fan, Mei Zhu, Caiyi Zhang, Xizhong An, Zhifu Luo, Haitao Fu and Xiaohong Yang
Catalysts 2025, 15(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15050456 - 7 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
This study focuses on enhancing the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) performance of LaFeO3 photocathodes by incorporating Ag nanocrystals. LaFeO3, a perovskite-type metal oxide semiconductor, has potential in PEC water splitting but suffers from fast charge carrier recombination. Ag nanoparticles are introduced due [...] Read more.
This study focuses on enhancing the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) performance of LaFeO3 photocathodes by incorporating Ag nanocrystals. LaFeO3, a perovskite-type metal oxide semiconductor, has potential in PEC water splitting but suffers from fast charge carrier recombination. Ag nanoparticles are introduced due to their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) property and ability to form Schottky junctions with LaFeO3. A series of Ag/LaFeO3 materials are prepared using the molten salt method for LaFeO3 synthesis and the direct reduction method for Ag loading. The results show that Ag nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on LaFeO3. The 3 mol% Ag/LaFeO3 photocathode demonstrates a remarkable ninefold increase in photocurrent density (15 mA·cm−2 at −0.2 V vs. RHE) compared to pure LaFeO3 (1.7 mA·cm−2). The band gap of LaFeO3 is reduced from 2.07 eV to 1.92 eV with 3 mol% Ag loading, and the charge transfer impedance is reduced by 77%, while the carrier concentration increases by 2.3 times. The novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive investigation of the interaction mechanisms between Ag nanoparticles and LaFeO3, which lead to enhanced light absorption, improved charge separation, and increased electrochemical activity. The optimized Ag loading not only improves the photocatalytic efficiency but also enhances the stability of the photocathode. This work provides valuable insights into the interaction between Ag and LaFeO3, and offers experimental and theoretical support for developing efficient photocatalytic materials for PEC water splitting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater)
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Review

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53 pages, 1384 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Fe-TiO2 and rGO-TiO2 Photocatalysts for Phenolic Wastewater Treatment: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Applications
by Caressa Munien, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal and Ajay Kumar Mishra
Catalysts 2026, 16(7), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16070618 - 6 Jul 2026
Abstract
Phenolic compounds represent a class of highly toxic, bioaccumulative, and persistent pollutants in industrial wastewater. Conventional treatment methods often fail to degrade these recalcitrant pollutants efficiently. Advanced oxidation processes, particularly semiconductor-based heterogeneous photocatalysis utilizing titanium dioxide (TiO2), have exhibited highly effective [...] Read more.
Phenolic compounds represent a class of highly toxic, bioaccumulative, and persistent pollutants in industrial wastewater. Conventional treatment methods often fail to degrade these recalcitrant pollutants efficiently. Advanced oxidation processes, particularly semiconductor-based heterogeneous photocatalysis utilizing titanium dioxide (TiO2), have exhibited highly effective strategies for complete pollutant mineralization. Pristine TiO2 is a widely utilized photocatalyst. However, it is severely constrained by its wide band gap (active only under UV light) and rapid electron–hole recombination rate, restricting its efficiency under visible light for practical applications. Surface modification using iron (Fe) doping and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coupling with TiO2 has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges. Thus, this review evaluates the latest advancements in Fe-TiO2 and rGO-TiO2 photocatalysts for phenolic wastewater treatment. The fundamental photocatalytic mechanisms of TiO2, binary (Fe-TiO2 and rGO-TiO2), and ternary (Fe-TiO2/rGO) composites are examined. Additionally, it evaluates various synthesis techniques, including green synthesis routes, characterization techniques, prospects of Fe and rGO, and real-world application efficacy. Furthermore, a comparative performance matrix evaluates the performance progression from pristine TiO2 to binary systems, and ultimately to ternary Fe-TiO2/rGO composites. The ternary configuration exhibits remarkable synergy effects, where iron doping shifts the optical absorption into the visible light spectrum, and rGO acts as an electron sink to suppress recombination. Moreover, the long-term stability and reusability performance, toxicity, commercial capability, and life cycle assessment of the photocatalysts are discussed. Finally, the performance of these composites in real wastewater matrices was examined to determine the gap between laboratory success and industrial viability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater)
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30 pages, 8937 KB  
Review
Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based S-Scheme Heterojunctions: Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
by Xiaofang Song, Zhenxing Ma, Zhiyong Wang, Shiyi Jin, Jingding Hu, Penghui Xu and Yijiang Chen
Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060592 - 15 Jun 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3813
Abstract
With the rapid advancement of industrialization, dye-containing wastewater has emerged as one of the primary pollution sources in aquatic environments, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysis technology, known for its high efficiency and environmental compatibility, is considered [...] Read more.
With the rapid advancement of industrialization, dye-containing wastewater has emerged as one of the primary pollution sources in aquatic environments, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysis technology, known for its high efficiency and environmental compatibility, is considered a strategic solution for addressing environmental pollution challenges. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). However, systematic summaries and in-depth analyses of these advancements remain limited. This study provides a comprehensive review of the research progress of g-C3N4-based S-scheme heterojunction systems in the field of photocatalytic dye degradation. It elaborates on the fundamental concepts, operational mechanisms, and representative applications of these systems while exploring the latest advancements in synthesis strategies, catalytic performance optimization, and the underlying mechanisms. Finally, this review discusses the existing challenges and future prospects of g-C3N4-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic materials, aiming to offer valuable insights and guidance for further research in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Wastewater)
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