The role and progress of zeolites in photocatalytic materials

Environ Res. 2025 Jan 4:268:120771. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.120771. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This paper focuses on the research background of zeolite-based photocatalytic materials, the role of zeolites in photocatalytic materials, and their application in various fields. It focuses on the critical roles of zeolites in photocatalytic materials and their application prospects. It outlines the mechanisms of zeolites in different photocatalytic materials, including adsorption, structural stabilization, domain-limiting, electric field, catalysis, ion exchange, shape-selective, and solvation, which elucidates the potential advantages of zeolites in photocatalytic materials. This paper also systematically summarizes examples of the application of zeolite-based photocatalytic materials in the degradation of dyes, organic and inorganic waste liquids, degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), elimination of nitrogen oxides (NOx), reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2), and production of hydrogen from photolyzed water. In addition, the future development direction of zeolite-based photocatalytic materials is proposed, the limitations of the current research are pointed out, and the challenges and opportunities facing them are envisioned, which provides a reference for the research and application in related fields. The research results in this paper will bring new inspirations to the synthesis and catalysis research of zeolite-based photocatalytic materials and help their further development to meet the increasing demands of practical applications.

Keywords: Adsorption; Development perspectives; Optimization methods; Photocatalytic materials; Photodegradation; Pollution control; Zeolites.

Publication types

  • Review