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Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Microplastics Using Ag/TiO2: Recent Advances in Mechanism, Synthesis and Properties

Water Air & Soil Pollution 2024 11 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Xueqin Wang, Siow Hwa Teo, Mohd Razali Shamsuddin, Newati Wid

Summary

This study reviewed how silver-modified TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) photocatalysts enhance the degradation of organic pollutants and microplastics by improving light absorption and charge separation compared to TiO2 alone. Developing efficient photocatalytic systems like Ag/TiO2 is a promising pathway for breaking down persistent microplastic particles in water and soil environments where conventional treatment methods fall short.

TiO2 is one of the most common and well-researched photocatalysts. However, it possesses certain limitations that hinder its research progress and practical application in the degradation of organic pollutants, particularly in the realm of (micro)plastics degradation. The modification of TiO2 is currently a research hotspot in the photocatalytic degradation of organics. Noble metal Ag, with its unique advantages of safety, environmental friendliness, antibacterial properties, and good electrical conductivity, is an excellent modifier for TiO2. This study first delved into the enhancement mechanism of Ag on TiO2 photocatalytic degradation and the mechanisms of Ag/TiO2 for degrading common organics and microplastics. It also discussed the preparation methods of Ag/TiO2 complexes, their advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each method. Furthermore, it presented a comparative analysis of the current research status of TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of organics, particularly on (micro)plastics. Finally, it highlighted the limitations and shortcomings of current studies and proposed potential future research directions. This research serves as a guide for the large-scale production of efficient Ag/TiO2 photocatalysts and the promotion of research on Ag/TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of microplastics.

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