ABSTRACT:
The rapid increase in environmental pollution due to industrialization and urbanization has created an urgent need for sustainable and efficient remediation technologies. Photocatalytic environmental remediation has emerged as a green and energy-efficient approach for the degradation and mineralization of hazardous pollutants in water and air. In this context, functional nanocomposites have gained significant attention as advanced photocatalysts due to their enhanced physicochemical properties and synergistic effects. Functional nanocomposites, composed of multiple nanoscale components, are designed to integrate light-harvesting, charge transport, and catalytic functionalities within a single system. The formation of heterojunctions, incorporation of conductive and plasmonic components, and increased surface reactivity enable efficient charge separation and enhanced visible-light utilization. These features lead to improved generation of reactive oxygen species, which play a crucial role in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, reduction of toxic heavy metals, air purification, and antimicrobial disinfection. This paper reviews the fundamental concepts, mechanisms, and environmental applications of functional nanocomposites in photocatalytic remediation. Key applications, including wastewater treatment, heavy metal removal, volatile organic compound degradation, and pathogen inactivation, are discussed. In addition, recent challenges related to large-scale synthesis, catalyst recovery, long-term stability, and potential environmental risks are highlighted. Overall, functional nanocomposites represent a promising platform for the development of sustainable, sunlight-driven environmental remediation technologies, with strong potential for practical and large-scale implementation.
Cite this article:
Rohit Sardarsing Patil, Functional Nanocomposites in Photocatalytic Environmental Remediation, Spectrum of Emerging Sciences, 6 (1)1-6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.55878/SES2026-6-1-1
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