Smart Photocatalysts in Water Remediation

This chapter focuses on the state of the art and major advances in the design and use of smart photocatalysts for water remediation. Broadly defined, smart photocatalysts are photocatalysts with some advantage or particularity that gives them added value for photocatalytic activity. Using that definition, the chapter addresses why smart photocatalysts are needed and the primary strategies and challenges currently being investigated in designing them. In particular, the chapter focuses on advances in the development of active photocatalysts under visible light, especially sunlight, and explains the primary ways of modifying such photocatalysts. Added to that, the chapter illustrates major advances in the immobilization of photocatalysts and in the design of micro and nanomotors, with special focus on the different routes of locomotion and their effects on photocatalytic activity. Advances in improving the efficiency of light harvesting based on biomimetic thinking and in biomaterials for designing greener, more sustainable photocatalysts are described as well. Lastly, the chapter describes advances toward improving the photocatalytic activity of the materials via external stimuli (e.g. sonophotocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and thermophotocatalysis) and toward enhancing the inhibition of photocorrosion and the recyclability of photocatalysts. Overall, the chapter provides a holistic view on smart photocatalysts for water decontamination.