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Impact of electron–hole recombination mechanism on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO in water treatment: A review

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Abstract

One of the most popular standard benchmark photocatalysts in the water treatment and environmental applications fields is zinc oxide (ZnO). Nevertheless, the total photocatalytic efficacy is limited by ZnO’s high band gap and the significant recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, particularly in its nano size. This can be further circumvented by hybridizing ZnO with a material that has a narrow band gap, such as metallic, non-metallic, carbon-based, or polymeric-based, to change its electronic band structure and other pertinent features. The use of ZnO-based photocatalyst in wastewater treatment shows a lot of potential as an effective and long-lasting oxidation technique. To increase photocatalytic efficiency, ZnO photocatalysts can be prepared in a variety of ways and modified via doping. In the present review, we assess recent studies on the creation of ZnO-based photocatalysts for the treatment of water using a variety of preparation methods based on electron–hole generation and recombination. The majority of development strategies and research on attaining the best possible photocatalysis performance in high-yield degradation with related factors are discussed, and the primary reasons for increased efficiency are explained. We consider areas where ZnO-based photocatalysts for water treatment could be improved. Finally, there is also a discussion of the prospects and challenges in this exciting field. Our evaluation aims to assist researchers in creating photocatalysts for water treatment that are both affordable and highly effective.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

  • A variety of preparation techniques have been used to employ metallic and non-metallic doped zinc oxide (ZnO) based photocatalysts broadly in the field of water treatment.

  • Total photocatalytic efficacy is limited by ZnO’s high band gap and the significant recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, particularly in its nano size.

  • Harmful organic and inorganic contamination in water can likely be resolved by adjusting the initial pollutant level, pH, and intensity of light.

  • Hybridizing ZnO with a material that has a narrow band gap, such as metallic, non-metallic, carbon-based, or polymeric-based, to change its electronic band structure and other pertinent features.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Department of Physics, University of Babylon, Iraq, for their support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Babylon, Hillah, 5001, Hillah, Iraq

    Alaa Nihad Tuama & Khalid Haneen Abass

  2. Department of Computers Techniques Engineering, College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq

    Laith H. Alzubaidi

  3. Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600, Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

    Muhammad Hasnain Jameel & Mohd Zul Hilmi bin Mayzan

  4. Medical Physics Department, Hilla University College, Babylon, Iraq

    Zahraa N. Salman

Authors
  1. Alaa Nihad Tuama
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  2. Laith H. Alzubaidi
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  3. Muhammad Hasnain Jameel
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  4. Khalid Haneen Abass
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  5. Mohd Zul Hilmi bin Mayzan
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  6. Zahraa N. Salman
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Contributions

Alaa Nihad wrote the manuscript, and the other remaining authors have contributed in results analysis. For this paper, all authors reviewed all manuscripts from valuable scientific literature as they summarized the findings of existing literature. So, readers can get an idea about the existing knowledge on the topic without having to read all the published research in the field.

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Correspondence to Alaa Nihad Tuama.

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Tuama, A.N., Alzubaidi, L.H., Jameel, M.H. et al. Impact of electron–hole recombination mechanism on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO in water treatment: A review. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-024-06385-x

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