Photodegradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water treatment using carbonaceous-TiO2 composites: A critical review of recent literature

The high concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) that found in water in many locations are of concern. Among the available water treatment methods, heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2 is an emerging and viable technology to overcome the occurrence of PPCP in natural and waste water. The combination of carbonaceous materials (e.g., activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets) with TiO2, a recent development, gives significantly improved performance. In this article, we present a critical review of the development and fabrication of carbonaceous-TiO2 and its application to PPCP removal including its influence on water chemistry, and the relevant operational parameters. Finally, we present an analysis of current priorities in the ongoing research and development of carbonaceous-TiO2 for the photodegradation of PPCP.