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Rare earth elements for enhancing photocatalysis in pollutant degradation and water treatment


Citation

Zheng, A. L. T. and Sinin, A. E. and Jin, W. T. and Feng, K. L. and Boonyuen, S. and Chung, E. L. T. and Lease, J. and Andou, Y. (2025) Rare earth elements for enhancing photocatalysis in pollutant degradation and water treatment. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 22. pp. 7247-7270.

Abstract

This review examines recent progress in using rare earth-based photocatalysts and their composites to degrade environmental pollutants. Rare earth elements (REEs), recognized for their unique electronic configurations and exceptional optical properties, have become effective dopants and co-catalysts, enhancing the capabilities of traditional semiconductor photocatalysts. Key enhancement strategies, including doping, co-doping, surface functionalization, and heterostructure formation, are analyzed to illustrate how they improve photocatalytic efficiency, stability, and selectivity. The review details studies on the photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants, such as dyes, antibiotics, and pesticides. It highlights how REEs contribute to better light absorption, efficient charge separation, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The review also addresses challenges with the long-term stability of doped photocatalysts, like structural degradation and dopant leaching, suggesting possible solutions to enhance durability. By providing a broad overview, this review aims to guide researchers in designing next-generation photocatalysts for environmental remediation and to support the development of more sustainable water treatment technologies. Additionally, emerging trends such as green synthesis, integration with carbon-based nanocomposites, and scalable photocatalytic applications stressed REEs’ potential in advancing eco-friendly water treatment solutions, aligning with global sustainability objectives.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Divisions: Faculty of Agriculture
Faculty of Science
Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security
Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-024-06203-5
Publisher: Springer Nature
Keywords: Advanced oxidation process; Semiconductor doping; Water remediation
Depositing User: Ms. Zaimah Saiful Yazan
Date Deposited: 09 Jul 2025 08:07
Last Modified: 09 Jul 2025 08:07
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.1007/s13762-024-06203-5
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/117550
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