Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Photocatalysis for Environmental Remediation

Nanomaterial-based photocatalysis has emerged as a powerful and Using sustainable technology to address environmental issues worldwide pollution challenges. This review explores the recent advancements in the design, production and use of nanostructured photocatalysts to break down organic dyes, pharmaceutical residues, and air pollutants. Drawing insights from the work of Tatarchuk et al., we examine a wide range of photocatalytic materials including metal oxides (TiO₂, ZnO), doped semiconductors (Ni–CuS, N–TiO₂), and plasmonic nanoparticles (Ag, Au), with particular emphasis on the role of bandgap engineering, surface plasmon resonance, and heterojunction formation. The article also delves into synthetic strategies such as hydrothermal, sol–gel, microwave, and coprecipitation methods, highlighting their impact on material morphology and catalytic efficiency. Key mechanistic insights, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and photoelectrocatalysis, are discussed to explain enhanced photocatalytic performance. Finally, the review addresses challenges such as recombination losses and material stability, proposing future directions for scalable, real-world applications. This comprehensive synthesis of photocatalytic nanomaterials establishes a foundation for future innovations in environmental remediation technologies.