Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Innovative Photocatalysts: A Review
Giusy Lofrano, Francesca Ubaldi, Luisa Albarano, Maurizio Carotenuto, Vincenzo Vaiano, Federica Valeriani, Giovanni Libralato, Gianluca Gianfranceschi, Ilaria Fratoddi, Süreyya Meriç, Marco Guida, Vincenzo Romano Spica
Abstract
Waterborne pathogens represent one of the most widespread environmental concerns. Conventional disinfection methods, including chlorination and UV, pose several operational and environmental problems; namely, formation of potentially hazardous disinfection by-products (DBPs) and high energy consumption. Therefore, there is high demand for effective, low-cost disinfection treatments. Among advanced oxidation processes, the photocatalytic process, a form of green technology, is becoming increasingly attractive. A systematic review was carried out on the synthesis, characterization, toxicity, and antimicrobial performance of innovative engineered photocatalysts. In recent decades, various engineered photocatalysts have been developed to overcome the limits of conventional photocatalysts using different synthesis methods, and these are discussed together with the main parameters influencing the process behaviors. The potential environmental risks of engineered photocatalysts are also addressed, considering the toxicity effects presented in the literature.