Review on the photocatalytic activity of various composite catalysts

Nano sized semiconductor photocatalysts have a great scope for removal of large organic molecules like dyes and pesticides in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. The photocatalytic decomposition of dyeing industrial wastewater produces negligible amount of solid by products. The problem associated with the existing catalysts are, their high band gap. Doping one catalyst with other suitable metals and metal oxides will enhance the efficiency of the photocatalyst and also makes the catalyst to be active in the visible region. The photocatalytic activity of the composite catalysts were highly improved through the modification in the crystallinity, micro structures, band gap, morphology, particle size and the surface area of the catalyst. This paper reviews the recent developments in the synthesis and application of composite photocatalysts. The role of synthetic pathways on the structure and activity of composite catalyst derived from YiO(2), CdS, WO3, SnS and ZnO were analyzed. This paper will be more helpful for the scientists working in the field of nano sized photocatalysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.