Photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals: Insights into biochar modification and degradation mechanism

• Published in: Next materials 2024-10, Vol.5, p.100238, Article 100238
• Main Authors: Bhattacharjee, Baishali, Ahmaruzzaman, Md
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomass; Feedstock; Pharmaceutical; Photocatalytic degradation; Water decontamination
• ISSN: 2949-8228; 2949-8228
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2024.100238

A severe worldwide catastrophe is developing due to the emerging multidrug resistance in bacteria with rising pharmaceutical contamination. Recent advancements in pharmaceutical remediations using biochar-based composites have made encouraging progress. Improvement in biochar engineering increased the effectiveness of biochar by generating distinctive interactions with pharmaceutical pollutants. The catalytic property of biochar was significantly boosted by modification, particularly with chemical and metal composites. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in the last three years for the photocatalytic degradation of toxic pharmaceutical compounds using biochar-based photocatalysts. The importance of biochar in photocatalytic performance is highlighted, and different sources of biochar and biochar modification techniques are briefly discussed. Various factors influencing the rate of photodegradation and the pharmaceutical removal mechanism are also discussed. The significant difficulties that must be overcome for the expansion and real-time implementation of wastewater treatment are also covered. [Display omitted] •Various sources and the impact of different sources on the properties of biochar are highlighted.•Different synthesis procedures of biochar are mentioned.•Different modification strategies to enhance the properties of biochar are illustrated.•Photocatalytic degradation of toxic pharmaceutical compounds using biochar-based composites is reviewed.•Challenges and future perspectives in the utilization of photocatalysts are also highlighted.