Titania Nanoparticles: Electronic, Surface and Morphological Modifications for Photocatalytic Removal of Pesticides and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Tailoring the electronic, surface and morphological properties alter the catalytic properties of the material(s), specifically at the nanoscale. In the past years, a plethora of research has been reported to find sustainable and eco-friendly catalysts for environmental pollution remediation. In this direction, titania nanoparticles have been intensively explored to check their potential for photocatalytic removal of various pollutants. In the current scenario, where the growing population needs to feed on an everyday basis, abundant pesticides indiscriminately are being used to increase crop yield, thus causing environmental pollution and ecological imbalance. In order to remove these environmental pollutants along with the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are formed by incomplete combustion of crop residue or any other organic matter have been studied, and the results reported for these two categories of pollutants are summarized in this chapter.