Tailored carbon materials (TCM) for enhancing photocatalytic degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons

[Display omitted] •Persistent and toxic, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose environmental threats.•Exploring PAHs' environmental impact.•Photocatalysis emerges as a potent solution for environmental issues.•Detailing the use of tailored carbon materials (TCMs) for effective PAHs degradation.•Discussing challenges, future prospects, and author insights. This comprehensive review explores the potential of tailored carbon materials (TCM) for efficient photocatalytic degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are persistent and toxic organic pollutants posing significant environmental challenges. The unique structure and properties of TCM including graphene and carbon nanotubes to activated carbon and carbon dots, have projected them as next-generation technological materials for innovation. A careful and critical discussion of state-of-the-art research sheds light on their effectiveness in catalyzing the breakdown of PAHs, which projects TCM suitable for managing other environmental pollutants-of-concerns like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pharmaceuticals, micro/nano-plastics, textile waste, industrial effluents, etc. Beyond this viewpoint, this article expands the scope of TCM for 1) biomedical and healthcare, 2) energy storage and conversion, and 3) advanced electronics. The challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives related to the role of TCM for environmental applications, inspiring further research, and innovation in photo-induced degradation techniques are also carefully discussed in this article. This focused article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industrialists interested in harnessing the capabilities of carbon-based materials for efficient and sustainable photocatalytic degradation of PAHs and other environmental pollutants. It addresses the pressing need for effective environmental remediation and pollution control strategies.