Photocatalytic Degradation of Aqueous Organic Pollutants Using Iron Oxide-Based Photocatalysts

Pollution of water bodies arose due to invade of pollutants from various sector of society such as industries, agricultural field and domestic effluent water, etc. Heavy metals, pathogens and recalcitrant organic chemicals are typical examples of deleterious elements that adversely affect the health of aquatic environment. The removal of such pollutants has become an urgent need across the globe, which brings the discovery of various water treatment techniques in order to get clean water. In past few decade, outstanding result has been achieved in the field of water desalination. The application of heterogeneous photocatalysis route for the cleaning of water is reflected as one of the potential and sustainable approach since it makes use of renewable solar light as source of energy. In this chapter, we will discuss the application of iron oxide-based photocatalysts towards the removal of pollutants from aqueous source. Various research approaches progressed to improve the photocatalytic ability of iron oxide will be discussed in detail. The discussion of this chapter particularly focussed on the evolution of composite/heterostructure of iron oxide-based photocatalysts and their photocatalytic applications towards the removal of aqueous pollutants.