Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Imidacloprid in Aqueous Solutions Using Solid Catalysts

Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid pesticide, has led to significant water contamination due to excessive use. As a result, there is an urgent need for effective and straightforward methods to remove IMI residues from water. Photocatalytic technology, an integral part of advanced oxidation processes, is particularly promising due to its renewability, high catalytic efficiency, fast degradation ratio, and cost-effectiveness. This review systematically examines recent progress in the photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid in aqueous solutions using various solid catalysts. It provides a comparative analysis of key factors affecting catalytic performance, such as catalyst synthesis methods, reaction times, catalyst loading, and IMI concentrations. Among the solid catalysts studied, nano-ZnO achieved a higher degradation rate of IMI in a shorter period and with a reduced catalyst dosage, reaching approximately 95% degradation efficiency within one hour. Additionally, this review explores the types of heterojunctions formed by the catalysts and elucidates the mechanisms involved in the photocatalytic degradation of IMI. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive evaluation of solid catalysts for the photocatalytic removal of IMI from water, serving as an important reference for developing innovative catalysts aimed at eliminating organic pollutants from aquatic environments.