Modified Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Splitting of Water and Its Application in Environmental Remediation as a Potential Alternative

Abstract

Herein we reviewed Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and how they are applied in the photocatalytic splitting of water to generate hydrogen but also to remove both organic and inorganic pollutants. Hydrogen generation through the splitting of water by TiO2 which is a cheap, efficient, and non-toxic photocatalyst has found wide application in clean energy production. The efficiency of the photocatalyst can be improved by using water or sacrificial agents as electron donors, thereby enhancing hydrogen production. In addition, this review explores the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and applications of TiO2-based photocatalysis. It further, highlights the structural properties, bandgap engineering, and surface modifications that influence the catalytic activity of TiO2. Additionally, we discuss the doping of TiO2 with both metals and non-metals to narrow the energy band gap which lowers the recombination effects. Finally, it introduces the potential applications of TiO2-based photocatalysis in the photodegradation of organic and inorganic pollutants.