Polymer-Based Photocatalysts for Pharmaceutical Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Understanding the physicochemical characteristics of polymer-based materials is crucial for postulating the degradation mechanism towards pharmaceuticals in wastewater. The integration of various photoactive elements into the polymer matrix via versatile synthesis and modification procedures may result in enhancements in optical, morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties. This chapter will discuss the features of polymers as good supports, types of polymer-based photocatalytic materials, synthesis techniques and their advantages, and photocatalytic applications for the removal of organic pollutants from pharmaceutical residues in polluted water, so as to provide insights on the enhanced physicochemical characteristics, photocatalytic performance, and kinetics analyses.