Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and their Nanocomposite-based Materials as Photocatalysts in the Degradation of Dyes

The introduction of inorganic and organic pollutants into water bodies has become a serious issue globally. The waste streams released from the textile, plastic, leather, paper, pharmaceutical, and food industries introduce different natural and synthetic dyes into the aquatic system. Nanomaterials play a significant role in the photocatalytic degradation of dyes present in wastewater. Inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles have many improved physical and chemical properties and attracted much attention in photocatalytic activities. Dyes have been released in our aquatic bodies due to many anthropogenic activities and caused life-threatening problems. Various conventional methods were reported to remove dyes from water and wastewater; the photocatalytic method is one of the efficient and cost-effective. The present review article includes detailed information on photocatalysis, the potential of metal oxide and their composite materials as photocatalysts in the degradation of toxic dyes, and some common synthetic and characterization methods used for metal oxide-based nanoparticles.