Graphene-Based Magnetic Photocatalysts

Due to the rapid industrialization and population growth, a significant number of environmental issues have emerged, such as excessive use of fossil fuels and the production of industrial and agricultural wastewater. Therefore, it is imperative to create effective technologies for recycling wastewater and generating clean and sustainable energy. Photocatalysis has been deemed one of the most efficient methods for tackling energy and environmental issues among various technologies for green energy and wastewater treatment. Unfortunately, most photocatalysts are in powder form and nano-sized, making them difficult to recycle. To this end, developing photocatalytic materials with magnetic properties is a rational and realistic approach. Graphene, a two-dimensional structure of carbon atoms, has been widely used for improving the photocatalytic performance of semiconductors due to its wonderful physicochemical properties that include high specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, flexibility, and superior stability. Hybridization of graphene and magnetic materials facilitates its separation and reuse by applying an external magnetic field. In this book chapter, the recent advances in the design and production of graphene-based magnetic photocatalysts are summarized. Moreover, the photocatalytic applications of these recyclable materials in terms of photocatalytic degradation and detection of pollutants, ozonation, disinfection, hydrogen generation, and carbon dioxide reduction are discussed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are addressed to lay out useful information for future research.