Papers

20 results
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Article Tier 2

Investigation of the efficiency of several TiO2 microstructures for the photocatalytic degradation of nanoplastics.

Researchers tested the efficiency of multiple titanium dioxide microstructures for photocatalytic degradation of nanoplastics in aquatic environments, addressing the growing problem of sub-micron plastic fragments in global water systems. TiO2-based photocatalysis showed varying effectiveness depending on catalyst structure and particle properties.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

The Chemistry of Carbon Nanotubes in Photocatalytic Degradation of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastic

Researchers reviewed how carbon nanotubes — cylindrical structures made of carbon atoms — can be added to light-activated catalysts to dramatically improve the breakdown of microplastics and nanoplastics in water, as the nanotubes increase surface area and help separate electrical charges that drive the chemical degradation reactions.

2025
Article Tier 2

Applications of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles in Photocatalysis

This review examines the photocatalytic applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are widely used for breaking down environmental pollutants including microplastics through light-driven chemical reactions. Researchers discuss how different crystal phases and modifications of these nanoparticles enhance their ability to degrade organic contaminants. The study highlights the potential of titanium dioxide-based photocatalysis as an environmentally friendly technology for addressing persistent pollutants.

2024 Science of Advanced Materials 15 citations
Article Tier 2

Investigation of the efficiency of several TiO2 microstructures for the photocatalytic degradation of nanoplastics.

This study tested the efficiency of several TiO2 microstructures as photocatalysts for degrading nanoplastics in aquatic environments. Results identified the most effective TiO2 configurations for breaking down sub-micron plastic fragments under light exposure.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

TiO₂-based photocatalytic degradation of microplastics in water: Current status, challenges and future perspectives

This review examines how titanium dioxide-based materials can break down microplastics in water using light energy, generating reactive molecules that dismantle plastic polymer chains. While promising, the technology still faces challenges with efficiency and potential harmful byproducts, and more research is needed before it can be used at scale to clean microplastics from real-world water supplies.

2025 Journal of Water Process Engineering 12 citations
Article Tier 2

MWCNTs Decorated with TiO2 as Highly Performing Filler in the Preparation of Nanocomposite Membranes for Scalable Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A in Water

Not a microplastics paper — this study develops nanocomposite membranes incorporating carbon nanotubes coated with titanium dioxide to photocatalytically degrade bisphenol A (a plastic-associated endocrine disruptor) in water, offering a scalable water treatment approach.

2023 Nanomaterials 9 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Agricultural Crops Performance: A Review of Efficacy and Mechanisms

This paper is not relevant to microplastics research; it reviews the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on agricultural crop performance, focusing on photosynthesis enhancement and antimicrobial protection rather than plastic pollution.

2024 Futuristic Biotechnology 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic pollution reduction by a carbon and nitrogen-doped TiO2: Effect of pH and temperature in the photocatalytic degradation process

Scientists tested a carbon and nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalyst for degrading microplastics and found that degradation efficiency depended strongly on pH and temperature, with optimal conditions achieving significant surface mineralization of tested polymer types.

2020 Journal of Hazardous Materials 432 citations
Article Tier 2

Role of Nanotechnology in Plastic and Microplastic Management

This review examines how nanotechnology can enhance plastic and microplastic degradation, describing how nanomaterials can modify microbial metabolic pathways to improve biodegradation rates and how photocatalytic approaches can break down plastics into low-molecular-weight intermediates suitable for use as chemical feedstocks.

2025
Article Tier 2

Recent Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Carbon-Doped TiO2 Nanomaterials

This review described recent advances in the synthesis and applications of carbon-doped TiO2 nanomaterials, finding that carbon incorporation broadens light absorption into the visible range, reduces electron-hole recombination, and enhances photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants beyond what undoped TiO2 achieves.

2020 Catalysts 76 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Microplastics: A Systematic Review

This systematic review summarizes advances in using light-activated chemical processes to break down microplastics in the environment. The research shows that photocatalysis, especially using titanium dioxide, is a promising method for destroying microplastics without creating harmful byproducts, though more work is needed to speed up the process for real-world use.

2025 IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Modified TiO2 and ZnO photocatalysts for microplastic degradation: mechanisms, challenges, and recent advances

This review examines recent advances in using modified titanium dioxide and zinc oxide photocatalysts to degrade microplastics in the environment. Researchers summarized the mechanisms by which these catalysts break down plastic particles when activated by light, as well as the challenges that remain for practical application. The study suggests that photocatalytic degradation is a promising approach for addressing microplastic pollution, though significant technical hurdles still need to be overcome.

2026 Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences
Article Tier 2

Degradation of Emerging Plastic Pollutants from Aquatic Environments Using TiO2 and Their Composites in Visible Light Photocatalysis

This review examines how titanium dioxide-based photocatalysts can degrade microplastics and nanoplastics under visible light conditions. Researchers found that while some composite materials achieved complete degradation of polystyrene particles, overall effectiveness remains limited at the laboratory scale. The study identifies key challenges and proposes future directions for developing more efficient photocatalytic approaches to plastic pollution remediation in water.

2025 Molecules 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Recent Advances in Titanium-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks: Structure, Property, and Application in Photocatalysis

This review covers recent advances in titanium-based metal-organic frameworks and their applications in photocatalysis, including potential uses for environmental remediation. Researchers summarized the diverse structures, synthesis methods, and catalytic properties of these materials. While broadly focused on photocatalysis, the findings are relevant to developing new approaches for degrading persistent environmental pollutants including microplastics.

2026 Molecules
Article Tier 2

Synthesis and application of titanium dioxide photocatalysis for energy, decontamination and viral disinfection: a review

This review covers the synthesis and environmental applications of titanium dioxide photocatalysis, including its use for removing microplastics, pharmaceuticals, metals, and dyes from water. The study discusses various synthesis methods and highlights TiO2 photocatalysis as a promising advanced method for water and wastewater decontamination.

2022 Environmental Chemistry Letters 238 citations
Article Tier 2

Metal Oxides‐Based Nano/Microstructures for Photodegradation of Microplastics

This review covers how metal oxide materials, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, can be used as photocatalysts to break down microplastics using sunlight. Some approaches can even convert plastic waste into useful fuels and chemicals. The technology offers a promising eco-friendly strategy for cleaning microplastics from water and wastewater systems.

2023 Advanced Sustainable Systems 43 citations
Article Tier 2

Structure-oriented conversions of plastics to carbon nanomaterials

This review examines strategies for converting waste plastics into carbon nanomaterials including nanotubes, graphene, and porous carbon, highlighting how different plastic structures influence the resulting carbon products and offering a promising approach to reduce plastic pollution.

2022 Carbon Research 84 citations
Article Tier 2

The role of titanium dioxide on the behaviour and fate of plastics in the aquatic environment.

This paper reviews the role of titanium dioxide, a common white pigment added to plastics, in altering the behavior and fate of plastic debris in aquatic environments. The authors find that TiO2 enhances photodegradation of plastic surfaces, potentially accelerating microplastic formation, and compile the first quantitative dataset on TiO2 concentrations in environmental plastic samples.

2023 The Science of the total environment
Article Tier 2

Prospects for Combined Applications of Nanostructured Catalysts and Biocatalysts for Elimination of Hydrocarbon Pollutants

Not relevant to microplastics — this review covers nanostructured chemical catalysts and biological catalysts (enzymes/microbes) for treating hydrocarbon-contaminated wastewater from oil refining.

2023 Applied Sciences 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Carbon-based adsorbents for micro/nano-plastics removal: current advances and perspectives

Scientists reviewed how carbon-based materials like graphene, activated carbon, and carbon nanotubes can be used to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. Researchers found that these adsorbents show strong potential for capturing tiny plastic particles thanks to their tunable surface properties and high surface area. The study suggests that carbon-based filtration could become an important technology for cleaning microplastic-contaminated water.

2024 Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics 36 citations