Novel TiO2-based catalysts employed in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis for effective degradation of pharmaceuticals (PhACs) in water: A short review

The quality of water bodies is continuously threatened by the growing human activities and the consequent release of different classes of contaminants, known to be recalcitrant to elimination in conventional wastewater treatment plants. These pollutants named contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) may have a strong impact not only on the environment but also on human health due to long-term exposure. Currently, most of the research activities in the field of wastewater treatment are oriented toward the development of innovative technologies with enhanced performance in terms of efficiency and applicability in full scale for the removal of CECs. This review focuses on the recent progress in syntheses and applications of novel TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts for the effective degradation of pharmaceuticals (PhACs) in water matrices, known to be a wide class of CECs. The development of ultraviolet response and visible-light response of immobilized TiO2 on different supports were reviewed and the application of photocatalysis, also combined with electrochemical processes (photoelectrocatalysis, PEC) in the removal of PhACs were summarized. [Display omitted] •Novel TiO2 nanomaterials show excellent photocatalytic efficiency for the removal of PhACs.•Pharmaceuticals degradation is achieved in water and wastewater matrix.•Immobilized TiO2 has the potential to be used in real wastewater tertiary steps.•Photoelectrocatalysis offers benefits in the treatment of PhACs in wastewater.