Benefits and challenges of nanotechnology-based photocatalysts in achieving a pollution free environment

Pollution has been increasing worldwide due to various toxic pollutants in the soil, air, and water. The toxic pollutants in the water have created huge water scarcity in the world. Scientists have started employing various technology for degrading the toxic contaminants in the environment. Technology has been employed to attain a toxic-free environment. The photocatalysts has been employed for the degradation process. Since it is an effective technique for degradation, various researchers have utilised photocatalysts to reduce toxic pollutants. Photocatalysis uses light energy as an inexhaustible and green energy source for degrading organic pollutants through reactive oxygen species generation. In recent times, nanotechnology has been adopted for the degradation process. Hence, the purpose of the current paper is to review the nano-based photocatalytic process for degrading toxic pollutants. Considering this, the present review attempts to look back at the existing research based on the application of nano-materials as photocatalysts in the treatment of contaminated water systems. Literature that falls within the period from 2018–2023 is chosen, and the effect of various photocatalytic agents on toxic pollutants has been explored. It also highlights the challenges and benefits of incorporating nano-based photocatalytic agents for the degradation process of toxic pollutants. Such understanding needs further extended research in fields related to method, content, and production.