Sustainable wood-based nanotechnologies for photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in aquatic environment

Wood-based nanotechnologies have received much attention in the area of photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in aquatic environment in recent years, because of the high abundance and renewability of wood as well as the high reaction activity and unique structural features of these materials. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the current research activities centering on the development of wood-based nanocatalysts for photodegradation of organic pollutants. This review begins with a brief introduction of the development of photocatalysts and hierarchical structure of wood. The review then focuses on strategies of designing novel photocatalysts based on wood or its recombinants (such as 1D fiber, 2D films and 3D porous gels) using advanced nanotechnology including sol-gel method, hydrothermal method, magnetron sputtering method, dipping method and so on. Next, we highlight typical approaches that improve the photocatalytic property, including metal element doping, morphology control and semiconductor coupling. Also, the structure-activity relationship of photocatalysts is emphasized. Finally, a brief summary and prospect of wood-derived photocatalysts is provided. (C) Higher Education Press 2020

Automated summary

Wood-based nanotechnologies have attracted attention for photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants due to their abundance, renewability, high reaction activity, and unique structural features. This review summarizes research on wood-based nanocatalysts for photodegradation of pollutants, including strategies for designing novel photocatalysts, methods for improving photocatalytic properties, and emphasizing the structure-activity relationship of photocatalysts. Future prospects for wood-derived photocatalysts are briefly discussed.