Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Reactor Design and Process Optimization for Effluent Treatment

Photocatalysis has emerged as a promising and sustainable advanced oxidation technology for wastewater treatment, due to its capacity to degrade and mineralize a diverse array of organic pollutants under mild conditions. Recent advancements in material science have notably propelled the progress of innovative photocatalysts, improving the efficiency and practicality of this approach for real-world applications. This study provides an in-depth evaluation of current advances in reactor design and process optimisation techniques for photocatalyst-based effluent treatment. Engineering methods that enhance mass transmission, light utilisation, and system performance are the focus of attention. Furthermore, we assess techniques for modelling to forecast and enhance treatment results and investigate the incorporation of sophisticated photocatalytic materials into scalable reactor designs. Significant issues like catalyst recovery, operational stability, and scalability are critically examined in the discussion, along with potential future applications. By highlighting these developments, this study aims to make it easier to design affordable, highly effective photocatalytic systems for sustainable water treatment.