Tungsten-based nano-architecture for the photocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutants : a review

Abstract

The growing occurrence of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments presents a significant challenge to water security, a critical component of sustainable development. These emerging pollutants, often resistant to conventional treatment methods, pose risks to human health and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for advanced water purification strategies. As a result, there is a need for the development of innovative and environmentally sustainable techniques and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), including photocatalysis using tungsten-based nanomaterials (TBNPs), have shown a promising approach. This review critically focuses on the application of TBNPs as eco-effective photocatalysts, exploring the potential synergistic effects of combining tungsten (W) nanoparticles with other materials, leading to enhanced photocatalytic performance. It discusses the principal mechanism of photodegradation, focusing on the interaction between TBNPs and pharmaceutical pollutants. It also presents an overview of recyclability (>80 % degradation efficiency by the 5th cycle), advantages, and limitations. This review shows that TBNPs exhibit promising photocatalytic efficiency compared to other materials, based on reported studies. HIGHLIGHTS • Degradation of pharmaceuticals using W-based materials for was reviewed. • W-nanomaterials exhibit >60 % degradation efficiency for pharmaceuticals. • Maintained stability and structural integrity over 2–15 cycles • Performance stems from oxygen vacancies that boosts radical generation. • Superoxide radicals (O2−) dominate degradation over OH/h+ in W-systems.