Recent advances in degradation of pharmaceuticals using Bi2WO6 mediated photocatalysis – A comprehensive review. (15th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orimolade, Benjamin O.; Idris, Azeez Olayiwola; Feleni, Usisipho; Mamba, Bhekie
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 289(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15
• Subjects: Bismuth tungstate -- Antibiotics -- Wastewater treatment -- Degradation pathways; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: The pollution of water bodies by residual pharmaceuticals is a major problem globally. Bismuth tungstate mediated photocatalysis has been effective in the removal of these organics from water. Bismuth tungstate (Bi2 WO6 ) has proven to be an excellent visible light active photocatalyst because of its non-toxicity, low band gap energy and ease of preparation. It has been widely applied for the removal of a wide array of organic pollutants, particularly dyes, from wastewater. However, recently, much attention has been channelled to its application for the degradation of pharmaceuticals. In this present review, the recent trends in the applications of Bi2 WO6 based photocatalysts for the removal of pharmaceuticals in wastewater are comprehensively discussed. The fabrication of Bi2 WO6 based photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic performances through morphology control, doping and formation of heterojunctions are highlighted. Much discussion centres on the mechanisms and possible degradation pathways of antibiotic pharmaceuticals in wastewater. Finally, areas needing more attention and investigation on the use of Bi2 WO6 based photocatalysts for removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater especially towards real-life applications are presented for future research directions. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Recent trends in preparation of Bi2 WO6 photocatalysts with improved performances. Photocatalytic degradation of common pharmaceuticals using Bi2 WO6 photocatalysts. Critical discussion on degradation mechanism and pathways of selected pharmaceuticals. Future directions on the use of Bi2 WO6 based photocatalysts.