Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• antibiotics, several physical, biological, and chemical methods have been applied [13][18][19]. Various physical wastewater treatment techniques are based on mechanical separation to reduce contaminant levels by relocating rather than degrading antibiotics [7][8][20]. Biological approaches, such as the

• activated sludge process and biological membrane technologies, are commonly applied in wastewater treatment [21]. However, these technologies have come under scrutiny because of certain limitations, such as extended processing times and the generation of heat [22]. Conversely, chemical methods such as

• lack of understanding about these processes and their practical limitations for large-scale commercial wastewater treatment. This review concentrates on semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes and their effectiveness in eliminating antibiotics while also addressing their practical constraints. The

Clays enhanced with niobium: potential in wastewater treatment and reuse as pigment with antibacterial activity

• Silvia Jaerger,
• Patricia Appelt,
• Mario Antônio Alves da Cunha,
• Fabián Ccahuana Ayma,
• Ricardo Schneider,
• Carla Bittencourt and
• Fauze Jacó Anaissi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 141–154, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.13

• explore remedial strategies for MB, especially considering the water scarcity challenges that many countries face [3]. To satisfy environmental regulations, a range of wastewater treatment technologies with inherent advantages and limitations are available, encompassing processes such as advanced

Theoretical study of the electronic and optical properties of a composite formed by the zeolite NaA and a magnetite cluster

• Joel Antúnez-García,
• Roberto Núñez-González,
• Vitalii Petranovskii,
• H’Linh Hmok,
• Armando Reyes-Serrato,
• Fabian N. Murrieta-Rico,
• Mufei Xiao and
• Jonathan Zamora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 44–53, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.5

• ]. Because of the remarkable ion-exchange capacity of zeolites, their large surface area, and the well-organized porous systems with molecular sieve functionality, zeolites have long been fruitfully used in important industrial applications, mainly related to catalysis and wastewater treatment. The rapid

Green synthesis of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

• Dalia Chávez-García,
• Mario Guzman,
• Viridiana Sanchez and
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 755–766, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.63

• textile industry is a major contributor to water pollution [1][2]. To address this issue, the textile industry must adopt more sustainable practices in water and energy use, develop environmentally friendly dyes, and implement wastewater treatment processes. Conventional wastewater treatment techniques

• to provide a greener and more efficient solution for wastewater treatment in the textile industry, reducing environmental impact and conserving clean water resources. This research represents a significant step towards addressing water pollution caused by the textile industry, and highlights the

Prediction of cytotoxicity of heavy metals adsorbed on nano-TiO₂ with periodic table descriptors using machine learning approaches

• Joyita Roy,
• Souvik Pore and
• Kunal Roy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 939–950, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.77

• metals has increased with anthropogenic and industrial activities [8][9]. TiO2 NPs commonly co-exist with different heavy metals as they are released from wastewater treatment facilities to freshwater bodies, affecting the mode of action and the fate of the contamination. Studies have reported the

Conjugated photothermal materials and structure design for solar steam generation

• Chia-Yang Lin and
• Tsuyoshi Michinobu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 454–466, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.36

• absorbers based on (1) various molecular designs of small molecules and polymers, (2) absorber structures from a thermal management perspective, and (3) applications to desalination, sterilization, wastewater treatment, and power generation. As we focus on the SSG application in this review, the other

Bismuth-based nanostructured photocatalysts for the remediation of antibiotics and organic dyes

• Akeem Adeyemi Oladipo and
• Faisal Suleiman Mustafa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 291–321, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.26

• promising green and sustainable wastewater treatment method for a cleaner environment. Due to their narrow bandgaps, distinctive layered structures, plasmonic, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, and desirable physicochemical features, bismuth-based nanostructure photocatalysts have emerged as one

• antibiotic residues or metabolites have contaminated groundwater, soil, sediment, tap water, sludge, wastewater, and surface water. Chemical manufacturing facilities, effluents from wastewater treatment facilities, and animal husbandry and aquaculture are the three main entry points for antibiotics into

• wastewater treatment techniques, the textile industry is causing concern. The direct release of textile waste into bodies of water without proper treatment to an acceptable level has a negative impact on its aesthetic quality. The presence of organic dyes in bodies of water, even in minute amounts, raises

Non-stoichiometric magnetite as catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol and 2,6-dibromo-4-methylphenol – a new approach in water treatment

• Joanna Kisała,
• Anna Tomaszewska and
• Przemysław Kolek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1531–1540, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.126

• thousands of liters per person per year. Therefore, the use of water in a closed circuit is a major technological challenge. It is essential to design and develop new technologies for wastewater treatment and water recovery. Bromophenols (BPs) are widely used as flame retardants (brominated flame retardants

• regulations to them [8]. Consequently, there is a growing need to develop processes for removing BPs from wastewater. In recent decades, much attention has been paid to advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in the research and development of wastewater treatment technologies [7][9]. Processes such as cavitation

• octahedral iron chain handles its conductivity and redox properties, causing the magnetite to initialize oxidation/reduction reactions. Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of azo dyes [15], for wastewater treatment [16][17], for water decomposition, and for Cr(VI

Recent trends in Bi-based nanomaterials: challenges, fabrication, enhancement techniques, and environmental applications

• Vishal Dutta,
• Ankush Chauhan,
• Ritesh Verma,
• C. Gopalkrishnan and
• Van-Huy Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1316–1336, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.109

• catalyze chemical processes and transform constantly recoverable solar energy into productive chemical energy [1]. Various semiconductor nanoparticles have been used as effective photocatalysts in essential photocatalytic applications such as wastewater treatment, water dissociation, and energy conversion

• photocatalysts in eco-friendly applications on a large scale. Bi-based nanomaterials as semiconductor photocatalysts are one of the study’s primary goals, as is the use of Bi-based nanomaterials for wastewater treatment, hydrogen generation, and photocatalytic degradation. Fabrication methods, reliability

Recent advances in green carbon dots (2015–2022): synthesis, metal ion sensing, and biological applications

• Aisha Kanwal,
• Naheed Bibi,
• Sajjad Hyder,
• Arif Muhammad,
• Hao Ren,
• Jiangtao Liu and
• Zhongli Lei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1068–1107, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.93

• techniques for improving synthesis, characterization, yield, and applications of CDs There are several outstanding review articles on different applications, such as photochemical and electrochemical applications [32], photocatalysis [33], optoelectronics [34], wastewater treatment [35], food safety

A comprehensive review on electrospun nanohybrid membranes for wastewater treatment

• Senuri Kumarage,
• Imalka Munaweera and
• Nilwala Kottegoda

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 137–159, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.10

• considered as a micropollutant, with the growing industrialization, organic dyes have become a significant issue in wastewater treatment. Whether the dye is cationic or anionic, electrospun nanohybrid membranes are used to treat a variety of dye-contaminated waters. Of the many methods of dye decontamination

Nanogenerator-based self-powered sensors for data collection

• Yicheng Shao,
• Maoliang Shen,
• Yuankai Zhou,
• Xin Cui,
• Lijie Li and
• Yan Zhang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 680–693, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.54

• for the design of sterilization and algae removal [72], wastewater treatment [73][74], and electrochemical corrosion protection of metal surfaces and battery cathodes [56][75][76]. TENG-based special flexible pressure sensors can be placed on the surface of human skin to monitor the physiological

A review on the green and sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles and one-dimensional silver nanostructures

• Sina Kaabipour and
• Shohreh Hemmati

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 102–136, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.9

• but not limited to renewable energy, electronics, biosensors, wastewater treatment, medicine, and clinical equipment. The properties of silver nanostructures, such as size, size distribution, and morphology, are strongly dependent on synthesis process conditions such as the process type, equipment

Unravelling the interfacial interaction in mesoporous SiO₂@nickel phyllosilicate/TiO₂ core–shell nanostructures for photocatalytic activity

• Bridget K. Mutuma,
• Xiluva Mathebula,
• Isaac Nongwe,
• Bonakele P. Mtolo,
• Boitumelo J. Matsoso,
• Rudolph Erasmus,
• Zikhona Tetana and
• Neil J. Coville

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1834–1846, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.165

• displayed good stability and reusability for the degradation of dye molecules and wastewater treatment. Figure 6 shows a possible mechanism for the photoactivity of mSiO2@NiPS and mSiO2@NiPS/TiO2. Upon light irradiation, electrons are excited from the valence band of both materials to the conduction band

• degradation efficacy of 99% after 1 h, suggesting that the catalyst is appropriate for application in wastewater treatment and dye removal. Moreover, the mSiO2@NiPS core–shell nanostructure proved to be a suitable catalyst support for TiO2 nanoparticles creating a strong interfacial surface interaction

Highly sensitive detection of estradiol by a SERS sensor based on TiO₂ covered with gold nanoparticles

• Andrea Brognara,
• Ili F. Mohamad Ali Nasri,
• Beatrice R. Bricchi,
• Andrea Li Bassi,
• Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay,
• Matteo Ghidelli and
• Nathalie Lidgi-Guigui

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1026–1035, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.87

• formation, and childbearing in mammals. It is the most potent estrogen [22]. Estrogens found in the environment originate from human and animal excretions and are released into surface waters from agricultural activities, non-treated waste or wastewater treatment effluents [23]. High concentrations of E2

BiOCl/TiO₂/diatomite composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B

• Minlin Ao,
• Kun Liu,
• Xuekun Tang,
• Zishun Li,
• Qian Peng and
• Jing Huang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2019, 10, 1412–1422, doi:10.3762/bjnano.10.139

• nature as a whole. In recent years, advanced oxidation processes including Fenton [3], Fenton-like [4][5][6] and photocatalysis [7] reactions have been widely used in wastewater treatment. In addition, photocatalysis has attracted great attention due to advantages such as environmental sustainability

• potential in the field of organic wastewater treatment driven by solar energy. XRD patterns of the TiO2/diatomite, BiOCl and BTD (a) and BTD with different calcination temperatures (b). N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms (a) and pore size distribution plots (b) of the samples. XPS spectra of BTD, including

One-step nonhydrolytic sol–gel synthesis of mesoporous TiO₂ phosphonate hybrid materials

• Yanhui Wang,
• P. Hubert Mutin and
• Johan G. Alauzun

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2019, 10, 356–362, doi:10.3762/bjnano.10.35

• ) and in aqueous wastewater treatment. Experimental Titanium(IV) isopropoxide (Ti(OiPr)4, 97 %), and acetophenone (99%) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich. Diethyl 1-octylphosphonate (C8H17PO3Et2, 98%) was purchased from Sikémia. Toluene was dried over a Pure-Solve MD5 solvent purification system (H2O <10

Nanocellulose: Recent advances and its prospects in environmental remediation

• Katrina Pui Yee Shak,
• Yean Ling Pang and
• Shee Keat Mah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 2479–2498, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.232

• ] and wastewater treatment [15], biomedical engineering [16], and energy production [17]. Different types of nanocellulose were first mentioned in articles by Ranby [18] and Turbak et al. [19], not only as a concept for scientific theoretical discussion, but also to report actual new cellulose products

• adsorbent for wastewater treatment due to its adsorption affinity towards organic pollutants. Unlike micrometre-sized cellulose, the nanometre-sized counterparts are relatively smaller in dimensional size but also possess a larger surface area with improved porosity, which limits internal diffusion and

• the surface [93]. Therefore, an overabundance of –OH groups can produce an opposing effect, which is not ideal for wastewater treatment. Among the hydrophilic functional groups, the functionalization of nanocellulose with carboxy groups through carboxylation can improve its adsorption performance for

Hierarchical heterostructures of Bi₂MoO₆ microflowers decorated with Ag₂CO₃ nanoparticles for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic removal of toxic pollutants

• Shijie Li,
• Wei Jiang,
• Shiwei Hu,
• Yu Liu,
• Yanping Liu,
• Kaibing Xu and
• Jianshe Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 2297–2305, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.214

• candidate for wastewater treatment. Keywords: antibiotic removal; Bi2MoO6; heterojunction; silver carbonate (Ag2CO3); Introduction Industrial pollutants, such as industrial dyes and antibiotics, in wastewaters pose a huge threat to the environment [1][2]. Thus, many methods for pollutant removal have been

Synthesis of a MnO₂/Fe₃O₄/diatomite nanocomposite as an efficient heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for methylene blue degradation

• Zishun Li,
• Xuekun Tang,
• Kun Liu,
• Jing Huang,
• Yueyang Xu,
• Qian Peng and
• Minlin Ao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 1940–1950, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.185

• .9.185 Abstract Heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts with the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which offer the advantages of fast reaction rate, wide functional pH range and cost efficiency, have attracted great interest in wastewater treatment. In this study, a novel magnetic MnO2/Fe3O4/diatomite

• practical applications [15][16][17]. In addition to stability, separability is an extremely crucial factor for the recycling of catalysts. Magnetic separation is very attractive in the field of wastewater treatment as it provides a convenient and cost-effective way for catalyst collection. Fe3O4 is a very

Uniform cobalt nanoparticles embedded in hexagonal mesoporous nanoplates as a magnetically separable, recyclable adsorbent

• Can Zhao,
• Yuexiao Song,
• Tianyu Xiang,
• Wenxiu Qu,
• Shuo Lou,
• Xiaohong Yin and
• Feng Xin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 1770–1781, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.168

• Information File 1), which suggests that the unavoidable residual RhB molecules still exist in the NPLs-2.5-800 sample after the desorption process. Easy regeneration and good reusability make the hexagonal magnetic mesoporous NPLs potentially suitable for low-cost wastewater treatment. Conclusion In summary

Cr(VI) remediation from aqueous environment through modified-TiO₂-mediated photocatalytic reduction

• Rashmi Acharya,
• Brundabana Naik and
• Kulamani Parida

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 1448–1470, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.137

• their extraction. Hence, removal of toxic heavy metal ions from wastewater is considered as one of the most important environmental issues worldwide. Among the toxic heavy metals, chromium has been a major environmental concern in wastewater treatment. It exists in various oxidation states starting from

• CdS and SnS2 are considered as potential candidates for harvesting light in the visible region due to their narrow band gap and are being used as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts in wastewater treatment for degradation of pollutants [188][189][190][191]. These can also act as promising

Development of adsorptive membranes by confinement of activated biochar into electrospun nanofibers

• Mehrdad Taheran,
• Mitra Naghdi,
• Satinder K. Brar,
• Emile Knystautas,
• Mausam Verma,
• Rao. Y. Surampalli and
• Jose. R. Valero

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 1556–1563, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.149

• concentration in feed stream was set to 200 ppb since the reported values for the influent and effluents of wastewater treatment plants ranged from 1.2 ppb in municipal wastewater to 32 ppm in pharmaceutical wastewater [32][33][34]. Therefore, the studied concentrations were reasonably in the relevant

Impact of ultrasonic dispersion on the photocatalytic activity of titania aggregates

• Hoai Nga Le,
• Frank Babick,
• Klaus Kühn,
• Minh Tan Nguyen,
• Michael Stintz and
• Gianaurelio Cuniberti

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2015, 6, 2423–2430, doi:10.3762/bjnano.6.250

• significant obscuration. Keywords: AOPs; reaction rate constant; turbidity; ultrasonic energy; wastewater treatment; Introduction Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) form a group of modern chemical technologies that rely on the generation of radical species and are considered to have high prospects for the

The study of surface wetting, nanobubbles and boundary slip with an applied voltage: A review

• Yunlu Pan,
• Bharat Bhushan and
• Xuezeng Zhao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2014, 5, 1042–1065, doi:10.3762/bjnano.5.117

• ][47][48][49][50][51]. Figure 1a shows some applications of oxygenated nanobubbles, and Figure 1b shows an example, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of oxygenated micro/nanobubbles which are applied for wastewater treatment. Furthermore, nanobubbles at the interface of solid and liquid