Mechanisms in the photocatalytic breakdown of persistent pharmaceutical and pesticide molecules over TiO-based photocatalysts: A review.

Titanium dioxide (TiO) based photocatalysts have been widely used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of various persistent organic compounds in water and air. The degradation mechanism involves the generation of highly reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, which react with organic compounds to break down their chemical bonds and ultimately mineralize them into harmless products. In the case of pharmaceutical and pesticide molecules, TiOand modified TiOphotocatalysis effectively degrade a wide range of compounds, including antibiotics, pesticides, and herbicides. The main downside is the production of dangerous intermediate products, which are not frequently addressed in the literature that is currently available. The degradation rate of these compounds by TiOphotocatalysis depends on factors such as the chemical structure of the compounds, the concentration of the TiOcatalyst, the intensity, the light source, and the presence of other organic or inorganic species in the solution. The comprehension of the degradation mechanism is explored to gain insights into the intermediates. Additionally, the utilization of response surface methodology is addressed, offering a potential avenue for enhancing the scalability of the reactors. Overall, TiOphotocatalysis is a promising technology for the treatment of pharmaceutical and agrochemical wastewater, but further research is needed to optimize the process conditions and to understand the fate and toxicity of the degradation products.