Aqueous‐Phase Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Forever Chemical Contaminants

Abstract

AbstractHeterogeneous photocatalysis is an emerging area of catalysis increasingly fraught with pains caused by the battle between hype and real‐ world application. Inspired by abundant yet diffuse solar energy and applications such as clean water and energy, ample motivation has provided the background for this situation. However, substantial fundamental (e. g., charge transfer, recombination), engineering (e. g., observed rates, photon management), and practical barriers (e. g., use of precious metals, competing technologies) have limited implementation. In this review, these are all outlined, in conjunction with typical strategies for improvements, with an emphasis on the use of semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of emerging forever chemical contaminants in water. The selected classes of forever chemical contaminants are (micro)‐plastics, per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), siloxanes, and dioxanes. Each has been identified as a key or emerging contaminant and often travel widely while accumulating in the atmosphere due to the lack of natural remediation processes. Recommendations to the field and opportunities for contributions are highlighted throughout and as part of the outlook to the future.