A review of graphene-based semiconductors for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants in wastewater

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2022-08, Vol.300, p.134391-134391, Article 134391
• Main Authors: Ramalingam, Gomathi, Perumal, Nagapandiselvi, Priya, A.K., Rajendran, Saravanan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dyes degradation; Graphene; Metal oxides; Nanocomposites; Photocatalyst; Wastewater treatment
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134391

Water is the lifeblood of all living things; we often overlook the fact that the water cycle and the life cycle are inextricably linked. However, it has become contaminated as a result of industrialization, which has impacted the ecosystem by emitting numerous dyes, organic solvents, petroleum products, heavy metals, chemicals, diseases, and solid wastes. The absence of treatment in reusing wastewater is the root of the issues. Hence it is essential to treat the water to preserve the ecosystem and also for human health. In recent years, graphene-based photocatalysts are attracted much in the waste water treatment process due to their outstanding physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Since in the graphene-based photocatalyst, graphene has exceptional electron conductivity, a broad range of light absorption, a large surface area, and a high adsorption capacity. When it is integrated into metals, metal-containing nanocomposites, semiconductor nanocomposites, polymers, MXene, and other compounds, it can greatly boost the photocatalytic activity towards the photo destruction of contaminants. Hence in this review, water pollution, methods of waste water treatment, fundamental principles of photocatalysis, the photocatalytic activity of other materials in wastewater treatment, and how the photocatalytic efficiency against the removal of organic dyes can be enhanced when coalesced with graphene are detailed. •This review describes the overall contamination of water and treatment methods.•Synergic effect of graphene oxide based nanocomposites increased photocatalyst activity.•An assessment of the latest state of new graphene based technologies and a suggestion for future corrective action.