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Surface Modifications of BiVO 4 Semiconductor Materials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastic
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Researchers reviewed how modifying the surface of a semiconductor material called bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) — through metal doping, added catalysts, or nano-structuring — enhances its ability to break down microplastics and nanoplastics using sunlight. These surface engineering strategies improve the material's ability to generate reactive chemicals that degrade plastic particles, offering a photocatalytic approach to plastic pollution remediation.
Degradation of Micro-and Nano-PlasticThe proliferation of micro-and nano-plastics, owing to minuscule size and widespread occurrence in the environment, has raised significant concerns regarding their adverse effects, encompassing ecological disruption, health risks and the potential for contaminant spread, making their mitigation and removal vital for the protection of both environmental and human well-being.Thereby, this escalating problem of micro-and nano-plastic pollution necessitates innovative solutions for their efficient removal and remediation.Surface modifications of BiVO 4 semiconductors represent a promising avenue for developing smart materials aimed at the efficient photocatalytic degradation of these contaminants.BiVO 4 , a well-known semiconductor, has exhibited remarkable photocatalytic properties owing to its suitable bandgap and electronic structure.However, to enhance its efficacy in degrading micro-and nano-plastics, surface modifications are crucial.These modifications can include doping with metals or nonmetals, deposition of co-catalysts like noble metals or carbon-based materials and the introduction of nanostructures like nanoparticles or nanowires.These tailored surface modifications can significantly enhance the disassociation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, increase the surface area available for reactions and introduce additional active sites for the adsorption and subsequent degradation of micro-and nano-plastics.This chapter explores the synergistic effects of pivotal surface-engineered BiVO 4 semiconductors, and the production of advanced photocatalytic materials capable of effectively addressing the critical issue of plastic pollution in both macro-and nano-forms.
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