Photocatalytic Nanofibers for Environmental Remediation

Photocatalytic nanofibres represent a cutting-edge strategy for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from air and water systems. Produced predominantly by electrospinning techniques, these one-dimensional architectures offer exceptionally high surface-to-volume ratios, facilitating efficient light absorption and charge separation within semiconducting matrices. Typical materials include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and their composite variants, often modified with plasmonic metals or secondary oxides to extend photoresponse into the visible spectrum. Upon illumination, photogenerated electrons and holes engage in redox reactions, yielding reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals that degrade dyes, pharmaceuticals and phenolic compounds to benign end-products. The flexible mat form enables integration into flow-through reactors and dynamic filtration units, while surface functionalisation improves stability, recyclability and selective affinity towards target contaminants. As global concerns over water scarcity and pollution intensify, photocatalytic nanofibres exemplify a scalable, solar-driven solution for sustainable environmental remediation.

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Photocatalytic Nanofibers for Environmental Remediation publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photocatalytic nanofibers for environmental remediation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Electrospinning: A fabrication process that uses an electric field to draw polymer solutions into continuous nanofibres.

Photocatalysis: A light-driven process in which a semiconductor generates charge carriers that initiate chemical transformations.

Heterojunction: An interface between two different semiconductors that enhances charge separation and transfer.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide ions formed during photocatalysis.

Anatase and Rutile: Two common crystalline phases of titanium dioxide, with differing bandgaps influencing photocatalytic activity.

References

1. Rapid photocatalytic degradation of phenol from water using composite nanofibers under UV. Environmental Sciences Europe (2020).
2. Synthesis of Aligned TiO2 Nanofibers Using Electrospinning. Applied Sciences (2018).
3. The Use of Tunable Optical Absorption Plasmonic Au and Ag Decorated TiO2 Structures as Efficient Visible Light Photocatalysts. Catalysts (2020).
4. TiO2/ZnO Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning and Their Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Compared with TiO2 Nanofibers. Applied Sciences (2019).
5. Synthesis of TiO2/WO3 Composite Nanofibers by a Water-Based Electrospinning Process and Their Application in Photocatalysis. Nanomaterials (2020).