Mechanistic Insights Into Photocatalytic Materials for Toxic Pollutants: Environmental Remediation of Personal Care Products

ABSTRACT Photocatalytic materials have emerged as promising solutions for environmental applications due to their ability to degrade organic pollutants under sunlight or artificial light. In this review, recent progress on the photocatalytic materials used for the degradation of pharmaceutical personal care products (PPCPs) in environmental applications is provided. The fundamental principles of photocatalysis, including various pathways, are discussed. Numerous photocatalytic materials are highlighted, involving metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon‐based nanomaterials (CNMs), and other materials that have been extensively studied. An overview has been provided for the factors such as crystal structure, morphology, surface area, and doping, which influence the photocatalytic activity. Additionally addressed are the techniques for enhancing the performance of materials, including heterojunction creation, surface modification, and co‐catalyst deposition. The mechanisms for the mineralization of PPCPs, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the function of various active species, are also explored. The challenges and limitations associated with the practical applications of photocatalytic materials are focused on. An outlook on the potential and integration of recently developed materials for the degradation of PPCPs in environmental applications has been provided. Overall, this review provides insight into the photocatalytic materials used for the degradation of PPCPs and paves the way for future research.