Photocatalytic removal of metallic and other inorganic pollutants

Abstract

Studies on the photocatalytic transformation of inorganic species, especially metals (chromium, mercury, lead, uranium), metalloids (arsenic), and nitrate are discussed. The role of semiconductor energetics, type of radiation, interaction at the interface, and other phenomena are examined. Reductive and oxidative processes are described indicating possible mechanistic pathways and kinetic modelling. Examples given in the literature and of real applications are provided.