Recent progress in emerging materials and hybrid nanocomposites for peroxymonosulfate and peroxydisulfate activation towards solar light-driven photocatalytic degradation of emerging pollutants

Abstract

The uncontrolled introduction of micropollutants to the environment has caused huge concern globally owing to their hazardous effects. Although conventional advanced oxidation processes are fruitful to stimulate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and peroxydisulfate (PDS) to produce reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and eradication of hazardous materials, their high operational cost and leaching of metal ions have opened another chapter of pollution in the form of heavy metals in the environment. Therefore, low-cost, and highly efficient degradation techniques are most urgently required to prevent the large-scale accumulation of hazardous materials in the environment. In this review, we have discussed in detail the photocatalytic stimulation of PMS and PDS for the initiation of ROSs to oxidize highly toxic environmental pollutants. Some highly efficient carbonaceous photocatalysts and supportive materials including g-C3N4, multi walled carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide are discussed owing to their supreme charge conductivity and large surface area to present huge number of active sites and assist the stimulation of PMS and PDS. Further, we have discussed the role of different metal organic frameworks in the stimulation of PMS and PDS for pollutants eradication. Detailed degradation mechanisms of many pollutants are provided to support the generation of different ROSs working in the eradication of the target substances. Finally, a future perspective has been discussed for the incoming researchers to cope with environmental issues properly.