Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Photocatalytic Removal of Antibiotics from Wastewater Using the CeO2/ZnO Heterojunction

Researchers synthesized CeO2/ZnO heterostructure photocatalysts using sol-gel methods and demonstrated high efficiency for degrading antibiotic compounds in water under light irradiation, with the heterojunction preventing electron-hole recombination and enhancing photocatalytic performance.

2023 Materials 21 citations
Article Tier 2

Photocatalytic Degradation of Plastic Waste: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives

This review examined photocatalytic degradation as an environmentally friendly approach to destroying microplastic waste, focusing on nanomaterial-based semiconductors such as TiO2 and ZnO. The review highlighted recent progress and remaining challenges in developing efficient photocatalytic systems capable of fully mineralizing persistent plastic pollutants.

2024 Advances in Nanoparticles 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Z-Type Heterojunction MnO2@g-C3N4 Photocatalyst-Activated Peroxymonosulfate for the Removal of Tetracycline Hydrochloride in Water

Researchers developed an advanced photocatalyst that degrades nearly 97% of tetracycline, a common antibiotic pollutant, in water within 180 minutes using light-activated chemical reactions. The system showed good stability for reuse and reduced the toxicity of breakdown products. While focused on antibiotic removal rather than microplastics, this water treatment technology is relevant because microplastics often carry adsorbed antibiotics, and removing both contaminants is important for safe drinking water.

2024 Toxics 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Synthesis of Mixed-Phase TiO2–ZrO2 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment

Researchers synthesized TiO2-ZrO2 mixed-phase nanocomposite photocatalysts and demonstrated enhanced degradation of organic dyes under UV light compared to pure TiO2, with the mixed oxide structure improving light absorption and reducing electron-hole recombination for more effective wastewater treatment.

2023 Toxics 21 citations
Article Tier 2

Construction of Novel Z-scheme Heterojunction in ZnFe2O4/P25 @ MOF-5 Nanocomposite from Plastic Waste for Efficient Photodegradation of Aqueous BTX Under Visible Light

Not relevant to microplastics — this paper synthesizes a novel MOF-5 based photocatalyst from plastic waste to degrade benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) compounds from wastewater using visible light photocatalysis.

2023 Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Preparation of TiO2/Fe-MOF n‒n heterojunction photocatalysts for visible-light degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Researchers created a new photocatalyst by combining titanium dioxide with an iron-based metal-organic framework to break down the antibiotic tetracycline under visible light. The composite material achieved over 90% degradation of the antibiotic within two hours, significantly outperforming either component alone. The study demonstrates a promising approach for using light-activated materials to remove pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater.

2023 Chemosphere 62 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

FeOOH Nanosheets Coupled with ZnCdS Nanoparticles for Highly Improved Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes and Tetracycline in Water

Researchers synthesized FeOOH nanosheet and ZnCdS nanoparticle composites and tested them as photocatalysts for degrading organic pollutants under visible light. The coupled system showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to individual components due to improved charge separation.

2024 Molecules 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Design of tertiary Z-scheme CuO–ZnO@MXene photocatalyst with superior visible-light activity for decomposition of nanoplastics

A ternary CuO-ZnO@MXene photocatalyst with a Z-scheme charge transfer pathway was designed for enhanced degradation of organic pollutants in water. The material's architecture improves light absorption and charge separation, making it a candidate for treating microplastic-contaminated wastewater.

2025 Journal of Water Process Engineering 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Facile Synthesis of a Novel AgIO3/CTF Heterojunction and Its Adsorption–Photocatalytic Performance with Organic Pollutants

This paper is not about microplastics — it reports the synthesis of an AgIO3/CTF heterojunction photocatalyst and tests its ability to degrade organic pollutants in water under visible light.

2024 Toxics 3 citations
Article Tier 2

ZnAl LDH-based Derivative Materials as Photocatalysts: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Performance in Tetracycline Degradation

This review surveys ZnAl layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived photocatalysts, discussing synthesis routes, structural properties, and application performance in degrading organic pollutants under UV and visible light. The authors identify calcination-derived mixed metal oxides as the most active catalysts and highlight their potential for microplastic photodegradation and water treatment.

2024 Science & Technology Indonesia 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Plastic Degrading Nanomaterials via Photocatalysis

This review examines photocatalytic degradation of plastics using nanomaterials including TiO2, ZnO, and their nanocomposites under UV and solar irradiation as an energy-efficient alternative to conventional plastic disposal methods. The paper covers reactive oxygen species-mediated breakdown of PP, PS, PVC, LDPE, and HDPE polymers and highlights nano-enabled strategies for microplastic and nanoplastic degradation.

2023 UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 3 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

Photocatalytic degradation of different types of microplastics by TiOx/ZnO tetrapod photocatalysts

Researchers tested titania-coated zinc oxide tetrapod photocatalysts for breaking down polyethylene microparticles and polyester microfibers under UV light. They found that the shape of the microplastics significantly affected degradation speed, and that adding electron scavengers was necessary to maintain the catalyst's effectiveness over time. Complete breakdown of both plastic types was achieved, though it required hundreds of hours of UV exposure.

2023 Heliyon 68 citations
Article Tier 2

Silver Nanoparticles/Titanium Dioxide Nanowires Photocatalyst Formation for Microplastic Removal Using Ultraviolet Radiation

Researchers synthesized silver nanoparticle-decorated titanium dioxide nanowires (Ag/TiO2 NWs) via thermal oxidation and wet impregnation, then evaluated the photocatalytic efficiency of this heterojunction material for degrading polypropylene microplastics under ultraviolet radiation.

2023 Diffusion and defect data, solid state data. Part B, Solid state phenomena/Solid state phenomena 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Integration of Photocatalysis and Membrane Technology as a Hybrid System for Microplastic Degradation in Wastewater

Researchers evaluated a hybrid system combining TiO2 photocatalysis with membrane filtration for degrading microplastics in wastewater. The photocatalytic membrane reactor demonstrated effective removal and degradation of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET microplastics, suggesting that integrated photocatalytic-membrane systems could improve microplastic removal beyond what conventional wastewater treatment achieves.

2026 Science Get Journal.
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

TiO2-based photocatalysts for the degradation of microplastics in aquatic environments

Researchers synthesized TiO2-based photocatalysts via sol-gel and hydrothermal methods and characterized their morphology and photocatalytic properties for the degradation of microplastics in aqueous environments, optimizing catalyst formulations to improve efficiency and assessing their potential as an environmentally friendly advanced treatment for waterborne microplastic pollution.

2022 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
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

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

Preparation of heterojunction C3N4/WO3 photocatalyst for degradation of microplastics in water

Researchers synthesized a carbon nitride/tungsten oxide heterojunction photocatalyst that effectively degrades PET microplastics in water while simultaneously generating hydrogen, offering a dual-benefit approach to addressing plastic pollution through photocatalysis.

2023 Chemosphere 52 citations
Article Tier 2

Orchestrating Ti─S and Ni─S Bonding Interfaces for Accelerated Charge Transfer in a S‐Scheme Photocatalyst

Researchers engineered a TiO₂/CdS/Ni photocatalyst with orchestrated interfacial charge transfer pathways for enhanced photocatalytic performance. The catalyst design accelerated electron transfer and reduced recombination losses, achieving high efficiency in photocatalytic reactions relevant to environmental pollutant degradation including microplastics.

2025 Advanced Functional Materials 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Noble Metal Modified TiO2 Hierarchically Structured Microspheres with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Researchers synthesized anatase TiO2 hierarchically structured microspheres with co-exposed crystal facets via hydrothermal methods and modified them with noble metals (Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd), finding that platinum modification produced the highest photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline hydrochloride under light irradiation.

2023 Catalysts 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Harnessing Bio-Immobilized ZnO/CNT/Chitosan Ternary Composite Fabric for Enhanced Photodegradation of a Commercial Reactive Dye

This paper is not about microplastics; it describes the fabrication and testing of a ZnO/carbon nanotube/chitosan composite fabric as a photocatalyst for degrading textile dye (Reactive Blue 4) in wastewater, with no connection to microplastic research.

2023 Molecules 9 citations