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Photocatalytic Technologies for Transformation and Degradation of Microplastics in the Environment: Current Achievements and Future Prospects
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This review examines photocatalytic technologies that use light-activated materials to break down microplastics in the environment. Various catalysts can generate reactive oxygen species that degrade plastic polymers into simpler, less harmful molecules. The authors assess the strengths and limitations of different photocatalytic approaches and highlight the need for scalable solutions that work under real-world environmental conditions.
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern, with exposure to it linked to numerous negative consequences for both ecosystems and humans. To tackle this complex issue, innovative technologies that are capable of effectively eliminating MPs from the environment are necessary. In this review, we examined a variety of bare and composite photocatalysts employed in the degradation process. An in-depth assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of each catalyst was presented. Additionally, we explored the photocatalytic mechanisms and factors influencing degradation. The review concludes by addressing the current challenges and outlining future research priorities, which will help guide efforts to mitigate MP contamination.
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Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Materials, Mechanisms, Practical Challenges, and Future Perspectives
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This review examines how light-activated materials called photocatalysts can break down microplastics in water into harmless byproducts using sunlight or UV light. While still facing challenges with incomplete breakdown and variable sunlight conditions, this technology offers a promising way to reduce microplastic contamination in water sources that affect human health.
Photocatalytic strategy to mitigate microplastic pollution in aquatic environments: Promising catalysts, efficiencies, mechanisms, and ecological risks
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This review summarizes recent advances in photocatalytic degradation of microplastics, covering catalysts, mechanisms, and reactive oxygen species generation pathways. The authors call for more realistic photocatalytic materials, better mechanistic understanding of degradation intermediates, and quantitative ecological risk assessment of photocatalysis byproducts.
Recent advances in photocatalytic technologies for removing microplastics from aquatic environments
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This review paper summarizes existing research on using light-activated materials (photocatalysts) to break down microplastics in water. It compares five material types tested in lab settings, noting some achieved high breakdown rates under UV or visible light, while identifying unresolved challenges like treating certain plastic types and assessing long-term environmental safety.
Degradation of Micro- and Nano-Plastics by Photocatalytic Methods
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This paper reviews photocatalytic methods — using light-activated catalysts — as a way to break down micro- and nano-plastics in the environment. These approaches offer a promising path toward degrading persistent plastic particles that accumulate in marine and drinking water systems.
Recent Advances in Microplastics Removal from Water with Special Attention Given to Photocatalytic Degradation: Review of Scientific Research
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This review examines methods for removing microplastics from water, with a focus on photocatalytic degradation, which uses light-activated materials to break down plastic particles. These advanced processes generate reactive molecules that can fragment microplastics into harmless byproducts. While promising, the technology still needs optimization and more research into potential harmful byproducts before it can be widely deployed.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.