Synthesis and application of titanium dioxide photocatalysis for energy, decontamination and viral disinfection: a review

Global pollution is calling for advanced methods to remove contaminants from water and wastewater, such as TiO2-assisted photocatalysis. The environmental applications of titanium dioxide have started after the initial TiO2 application for water splitting by Fujishima and Honda in 1972. TiO2 is now used for self-cleaning surfaces, air and water purification systems, microbial inactivation and selective organic conversion. The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials with high photocatalytic activity is actually a major challenge. Here we review titanium dioxide photocatalysis with focus on mechanims, synthesis, and applications. Synthetic methods include sol-gel, sonochemical, microwave, oxidation, deposition, hydro/solvothermal, and biological techniques. Applications comprise the production of energy, petroleum recovery, and the removal of microplastics, pharmaceuticals, metals, dyes, pesticides, and of viruses such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the mechanisms, synthesis, and applications of titanium dioxide photocatalysis. Titanium dioxide exhibits high photocatalytic activity and can be used in self-cleaning surfaces, air and water purification systems, microbial inactivation, and selective organic conversion. The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials is a major challenge, and various methods such as sol-gel, sonochemical, and hydrothermal techniques are used. The applications of titanium dioxide photocatalysis are diverse and include energy production, petroleum recovery, and removal of various pollutants.