Decoding Photodegradation: Mechanistic Insights, Models, and Key Parameters

Dye pollution plays a major role in water contamination, and photocatalysis presents an encouraging method for its breakdown without producing secondary pollutants. Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms behind photocatalytic dye degradation remain unclear. In this review, we examined various mechanisms, models, and theories created thus far for the breakdown of different dyes through photocatalysis. Various factors, such as pH, temperature, and synthesis method, lead to variations in particle size, bandgap, surface area, etc., which affect photocatalytic activity either directly or indirectly. Various generations of photocatalysts, along with the inclusion of ions or co-catalysts, can be effectively utilized to adjust the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and enhance the performance and reusability of the catalysts. The review concludes that the light intensity, dye concentration, and the active surface area of the photocatalysts are crucial factors in the efficient photo-degradation of dyes.