Hybrid materials for heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics

Abstract

Abstract The ever-growing number of multi-resistant bacteria caused by the proliferation of antibiotics in the environment led to an increased interest in finding more sustainable processes for antibiotic degradation. Herein, we analyze and discuss the literature concerning the application of metal-based hybrid materials as heterogeneous photocatalysts for downstream depletion of antibiotics through advanced oxidation processes (AOP) using semiconductor photosensitization or photo-Fenton oxidation processes. This review article starts with a general introduction on the principles of heterogeneous photochemical AOP, followed by literature review of antibiotic photodegradation using TiO2 and non-TiO2 based heterogeneous semiconductors, in the presence of oxygen. The photo-Fenton type processes, using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, are also reviewed. Finally, a critical analysis of the reviewed literature and perspectives on the field are performed.