The Research Progress on Photocatalytic Materials for Pollutant Degradation: A Review

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Photocatalytic technology, as a clean, green, and sustainable method for pollutant degradation, has significant scientific research value and practical application significance in the field of water pollution control. Currently, the focus of photocatalysis research is on developing efficient, stable, and low-cost photocatalysts. Researchers are enhancing the light absorption capacity, electron-hole separation efficiency, and degradation rate of photocatalysts by designing novel photocatalysts, such as S-type heterojunctions, Z-scheme structures, precious metal doping, and non-metal regulation. The mechanistic study of the photocatalytic process, especially the separation, migration, and transfer mechanisms of photogenerated carriers, provides theoretical support for the optimization design of photocatalysts. At present, there are various types of catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, including metal oxide catalysts (e.g., TiO2, ZnO), precious metal catalysts (e.g., platinum, gold, silver), carbon-based catalysts (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes), and composite catalysts (e.g., metal oxide-carbon-based composite catalysts).Each type of catalyst has shown performance in improving photocatalytic efficiency and expanding the light absorption range, but also faces challenges such as limited light absorption range, poor catalyst stability, and high cost. Composite catalysts significantly improve photocatalytic efficiency through synergistic effects, especially excelling in the degradation of high-concentration pollutants. Future research will focus on further optimizing the performance of catalysts, particularly expanding the light absorption range, improving electron-hole separation efficiency, and enhancing catalyst stability. The design of composite catalysts remains the focus of research, especially the exploration of synergistic effects between different materials. At the same time, issues such as the long-term stability, recyclability, and selectivity of catalysts need to be addressed to support their large-scale application.