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<p>Pharmaceutical pollutants frequently enter aquatic systems unchanged or as metabolites due to their widespread use and incomplete removal during wastewater treatment. Even at trace levels, they can threaten ecosystem and human health by promoting antibiotic resistance and disrupting endocrine function. The shortcomings of conventional treatment methods for pharmaceutical pollutant removal have driven the development of novel strategies, such as photocatalytic degradation using metaldoped Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs). Alumina stands out among metaloxide photocatalysts thanks to its exceptionally high surface area, ordered nanoporous framework, chemical inertness, and thermal stability.</p><p>This review examines the efficiency and potential of metaldoped Al₂O₃ NPs for removing pharmaceutical contaminants through photocatalysis. We highlight various synthesis methods, elucidate the mechanisms by which reactive oxygen species and free radicals are generated, and discuss practical applications in pollutant degradation. We also address potential risks—including nanoparticle toxicity and secondary pollutant formation—to ensure their safe environmental deployment.</p><p>Furthermore, we analyze the physicochemical properties and structural modifications of Al₂O₃ NPs, emphasizing the impact of different metal dopants (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn, Ti) and synthesis techniques. Metal doping markedly enhances photocatalytic performance by tuning structural, electronic, and optical characteristics. Unlike many oxides that corrode or sinter under harsh conditions, doped Al₂O₃ retains its pore architecture and structural integrity, ensuring sustained activity and easy recovery. Overall, metaldoped Al₂O₃ NPs offer an efficient, sustainable solution for degrading pharmaceutical pollutants in water bodies. We conclude by outlining current challenges and future prospects for doped Al₂O₃ photocatalysts.</p>

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Metal-doped alumina nanoparticles: Next-gen photocatalysts for eliminating pharmaceutical pollutants

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月2日

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  • Muhammad Irfan,
  • Areej Afzaal,
  • Sahar Afzaal

摘要

Pharmaceutical pollutants frequently enter aquatic systems unchanged or as metabolites due to their widespread use and incomplete removal during wastewater treatment. Even at trace levels, they can threaten ecosystem and human health by promoting antibiotic resistance and disrupting endocrine function. The shortcomings of conventional treatment methods for pharmaceutical pollutant removal have driven the development of novel strategies, such as photocatalytic degradation using metaldoped Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs). Alumina stands out among metaloxide photocatalysts thanks to its exceptionally high surface area, ordered nanoporous framework, chemical inertness, and thermal stability.

This review examines the efficiency and potential of metaldoped Al₂O₃ NPs for removing pharmaceutical contaminants through photocatalysis. We highlight various synthesis methods, elucidate the mechanisms by which reactive oxygen species and free radicals are generated, and discuss practical applications in pollutant degradation. We also address potential risks—including nanoparticle toxicity and secondary pollutant formation—to ensure their safe environmental deployment.

Furthermore, we analyze the physicochemical properties and structural modifications of Al₂O₃ NPs, emphasizing the impact of different metal dopants (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn, Ti) and synthesis techniques. Metal doping markedly enhances photocatalytic performance by tuning structural, electronic, and optical characteristics. Unlike many oxides that corrode or sinter under harsh conditions, doped Al₂O₃ retains its pore architecture and structural integrity, ensuring sustained activity and easy recovery. Overall, metaldoped Al₂O₃ NPs offer an efficient, sustainable solution for degrading pharmaceutical pollutants in water bodies. We conclude by outlining current challenges and future prospects for doped Al₂O₃ photocatalysts.