Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

• Sameeksha Rawat,
• S. M. Tauseef and
• Madhuben Sharma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148

• safe for the environment. Photocatalysis produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which attack polymer chains and cause oxidative cleavage. Studies have shown that, under ideal circumstances, this process is quite successful in degrading polymers such as PS [74]. Bionanomaterials, which are composite

• -altitude pH variability. 6 Nanomaterial applications in microplastic remediation 6.1 Role of photocatalysis in degradation Photocatalysis uses nanomaterials to break down MPs by converting light energy, often UV or visible light, into ROS. These ROS, which include superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals

• of more than 80% [76]. This demonstrates their capacity to quickly clean up waterways tainted by plastic. Researchers have also demonstrated that the combination of adsorption and photocatalysis enhances the degradation of PE and PET in GO-based composites. According to Uoginte et al., GO serves as a

Current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials for removing microplastics from water supply systems: a mini review

• Nguyen Thi Nhan and
• Tran Le Luu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1837–1850, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.127

• water treatment. Various technologies have been investigated for removing MPs, such as filtration [82], coagulation–flocculation [83], photocatalysis [84], and adsorbent nanomaterials [85]. Removal efficiencies vary widely, ranging from 47.1% for coagulation to over 90% for membrane bioreactors

Piezoelectricity of layered double hydroxides: perspectives regarding piezocatalysis and nanogenerators

• Evgeniy S. Seliverstov,
• Evgeniya A. Tarasenko and
• Olga E. Lebedeva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1812–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.124

• bulk materials with centrosymmetric properties, display piezoelectricity when reduced to a single or few layers due to the loss of their inversion centers. An actively developing area of piezocatalysis is its application to enhance photocatalytic reactions, called piezo-photocatalysis. Zn/Al-LDHs with

• evidence demonstrated that dual oxygen vacancies in Ni/Fe-LDHs create interfacial bonds that mitigate carrier localization effects and unfavorable influences during piezocatalysis and photocatalysis. These features promote exciton dissociation and charge transfer. Furthermore, the strong electronic

• discussed studies appear largely consistent; ultrathin structures, doped systems, and composites systematically show improved performance in applications where mechanically induced charge generation and utilization are important (piezo-catalysis/piezo-photocatalysis, energy storage). Three interrelated

Electrical, photocatalytic, and sensory properties of graphene oxide and polyimide implanted with low- and medium-energy silver ions

• Josef Novák,
• Eva Štěpanovská,
• Petr Malinský,
• Vlastimil Mazánek,
• Jan Luxa,
• Ulrich Kentsch and
• Zdeněk Sofer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1794–1811, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.123

• multifunctional behavior of polymer systems. Keywords: ERDA; graphene oxide; ion implantation; photocatalysis; polyimide; RBS; Introduction Silver ion implantation is an effective strategy for controlling modification of the physicochemical properties of polymers and graphene-based materials. This method allows

• the generation of excited states with longer lifetimes [18]. Photocatalysis is a surface-driven process in which the absorption of photons with energy equal to or greater than the material’s bandgap results in the generation of e−–h+ pairs. These photogenerated charge carriers migrate to the surface

• the implanted samples. This suggests that the material itself without any intervention has limited ability to generate reactive oxygen species or facilitate charge transfer, which are both essential for efficient photocatalysis. There is a noticeable increase in the rate constant when low-energy Ag

Ambient pressure XPS at MAX IV

• Mattia Scardamaglia,
• Ulrike Küst,
• Alexander Klyushin,
• Rosemary Jones,
• Jan Knudsen,
• Robert Temperton,
• Andrey Shavorskiy and
• Esko Kokkonen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1677–1694, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.118

• fields including catalysis, energy materials, and corrosion, to name a few. As an example in catalysis research, we will discuss experiments on solid–gas interfaces about single-atom catalysts, catalysis in confined space, time-resolved catalysis, and photocatalysis. Remaining in the solid–gas

• additionally available, which allows for preparing sample surfaces before commencing the APXPS experiments. Both beamlines have other external light sources (e.g., to provide solar radiation or UV light) available to all users in order to perform photocatalysis experiments. HIPPIE offers also a catalytic

• -atom catalysts and progressing to confined catalysis, time-resolved measurements, photocatalysis, and atomic layer deposition. Single-atom catalysts Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a frontier in (electro)catalysis, combining exceptional catalytic activity with optimal utilization of

Nanotechnology-based approaches for the removal of microplastics from wastewater: a comprehensive review

• Nayanathara O Sanjeev,
• Manjunath Singanodi Vallabha and
• Rebekah Rubidha Lisha Rabi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1607–1632, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.114

• various nanoenabled treatment strategies such as adsorption, photocatalysis, and membrane filtration using materials like metal-organic frameworks, carbon-based nanomaterials, MXenes, and metal oxides. It also highlights recent innovations such as microrobotic systems and AI-assisted detection frameworks

• ; nanotechnology; nanoadsorbents; nano robots; photocatalysis; Introduction Plastic pollution has become a crucial environmental concern recently. It was reported that from 1950 to 2015, global plastic production increased from 5 to over 300 megatons, with approximately 60 to 99 megatons turning into waste. It is

• generating highly reactive radicals through techniques such as Fenton and photo-Fenton reactions, UV/H2O2 systems, ozonation, TiO2, photocatalysis, and electrochemical oxidation [53]. These methods hold potential for breaking down MPs into smaller, less harmful by products, although optimization and

Photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin in water assisted by TiO₂ nanowires on carbon cloth: contributions of H₂O₂ addition and substrate absorbability

• Iram Hussain,
• Lisha Zhang,
• Zhizhen Ye and
• Jin-Ming Wu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1567–1579, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.111

• photocatalysis [8]. However, TiO2 as a sole component presents challenges partly due to the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, which significantly reduces its photocatalytic efficiency and practical applicability [9][10]. Recent advancements have focused on TiO2 photocatalysts supported

Laser processing in liquids: insights into nanocolloid generation and thin film integration for energy, photonic, and sensing applications

• Akshana Parameswaran Sreekala,
• Pooja Raveendran Nair,
• Jithin Kundalam Kadavath,
• Bindu Krishnan,
• David Avellaneda Avellaneda,
• M. R. Anantharaman and
• Sadasivan Shaji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1428–1498, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.104

• sections start with an introduction to the common laser-assisted synthesis for nanocolloids and different methods of thin film fabrication using these nanocolloids followed by devices fabricated and characterized for applications including photovoltaics, photodetectors, catalysis, photocatalysis

• ; nanocolloids to thin films; photocatalysis; photovoltaics and photodetection; surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS); Review 1 Introduction This section provides a brief introduction to the fundamental laser processing techniques used in liquids, including ablation, fragmentation, melting, irradiation; it

Electronic and optical properties of chloropicrin adsorbed ZnS nanotubes: first principle analysis

• Prakash Yadav,
• Boddepalli SanthiBhushan and
• Anurag Srivastava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1184–1196, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.87

• , consistent with interband transitions of ZnS (≈3.68 eV), and a peak in the imaginary part (σ2(ω)) at ≈290 nm, representing stored energy. These UV absorption properties align with the wide bandgap of ZnS, making it suitable for UV photodetectors and photocatalysis. CP adsorption induces redshifts in σ1(ω

Insights into the electronic and atomic structures of cerium oxide-based ultrathin films and nanostructures using high-brilliance light sources

• Paola Luches and
• Federico Boscherini

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 860–871, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.65

• ]. Additionally, because of their often high efficiency at harnessing solar energy, they find application in photocatalysis and photovoltaics [5][6]. Optimizing these applications requires unravelling the often complex processes that influence functionality through an atomic-level description. To this end

Supramolecular hydration structure of graphene-based hydrogels: density functional theory, green chemistry and interface application

• Hon Nhien Le,
• Duy Khanh Nguyen,
• Minh Triet Dang,
• Huyen Trinh Nguyen,
• Thi Bang Tam Dao,
• Trung Do Nguyen,
• Chi Nhan Ha Thuc and
• Van Hieu Le

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 806–822, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.61

• structures especially under external sonication and mechanical stimuli. Reversible self-assembly of graphene-based nanosheets in water is essential to many applications, such as adsorption, photocatalysis, biosensing, drug delivery, aqueous paints, and multifunctional coatings [48][49][50]. Figure 6c

Synthesis of a multicomponent cellulose-based adsorbent for tetracycline removal from aquaculture water

• Uyen Bao Tran,
• Ngoc Thanh Vo-Tran,
• Khai The Truong,
• Dat Anh Nguyen,
• Quang Nhat Tran,
• Huu-Quang Nguyen,
• Jaebeom Lee and
• Hai Son Truong-Lam

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 728–739, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.56

• substantial economic losses. Nowadays, various methods, including adsorption, biological processing, photocatalysis, and electrochemical methods, have been used to remove antibiotics from contaminated water. However, these conventional treatment methods are restricted by costs, prolonged treatment durations

Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Ahsan Nazir and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46

• , photocatalysis, and solar energy technologies [60]. Moreover, electrospinning allows for the incorporation of multiple components with distinct morphological characteristics, positioning it as a promising approach for developing innovative materials, particularly in biological contexts [61][62]. The demand for

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• capacity to absorb light and concerns about catalytic stability, photocatalysis outperforms other advanced oxidation processes in multiple aspects. This study focuses on summarizing recent advances in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts. By reviewing the latest

• semiconductor-based photocatalysts for the degradation of antibiotics (Figure 1). The appeal of photocatalysis lies in its potential to achieve extensive mineralization, converting organic pollutants into harmless mineral compounds. Furthermore, its nonselective nature enables it to address a broad spectrum of

• contaminants, making it a versatile option for environmental remediation across various water and air treatment applications. These features collectively make photocatalysis an attractive approach for addressing pollution challenges in diverse settings. In recent years, several significant review papers have

Clays enhanced with niobium: potential in wastewater treatment and reuse as pigment with antibacterial activity

• Silvia Jaerger,
• Patricia Appelt,
• Mario Antônio Alves da Cunha,
• Fabián Ccahuana Ayma,
• Ricardo Schneider,
• Carla Bittencourt and
• Fauze Jacó Anaissi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 141–154, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.13

• photocatalysts for treating solutions containing the MB dye (400 mg·L−1) at 25 °C. The results showed adsorption and photocatalysis efficiency above 94% for both samples. The blue-colored BEOx and BEPh samples were then applied as a hybrid pigment. The power pigment and its dispersion in colorless paint were

• cereus (ATCC 10876) and Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 35649). The analysis revealed remarkable antibacterial activity against Proteus mirabilis, suggesting a preferential selectivity for Gram-negative bacteria. Keywords: adsorption; bentonite; hybrid pigment; niobium; photocatalysis; water remediation

• photocatalysis is a cost-effective alternative to biological treatment methods for purifying polluted water [8]. Using semiconductors as heterogeneous catalysts proves to be more efficient than traditional methods, as the photocatalytic process gradually decomposes contaminating molecules without generating

Characterization of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GP258

• Prashantkumar Siddappa Chakra,
• Aishwarya Banakar,
• Shriram Narayan Puranik,
• Vishwas Kaveeshwar,
• C. R. Ravikumar and
• Devaraja Gayathri

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 78–89, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.8

• electronic transition, making them suitable for further applications in photocatalysis, electronics, and optoelectronics. Photocatalytic study ZnO NPs were utilized in a photocatalytic degradation test to reduce the concentration of the harmful dye methylene blue (MB). A solution containing 20 mg of ZnO NP

Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel methods and their photocatalytic properties

• Cristina Maria Vlăduț,
• Crina Anastasescu,
• Silviu Preda,
• Oana Catalina Mocioiu,
• Simona Petrescu,
• Jeanina Pandele-Cusu,
• Dana Culita,
• Veronica Bratan,
• Ioan Balint and
• Maria Zaharescu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1283–1296, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.104

• use in photocatalysis processes (i.e., degradation of oxalic acid). In addition, the measured excitonic PL indicates the need for deeper investigation on the ability of the investigated materials to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation. The photoluminescence signal of the

Photocatalytic methane oxidation over a TiO₂/SiNWs p–n junction catalyst at room temperature

• Qui Thanh Hoai Ta,
• Luan Minh Nguyen,
• Ngoc Hoi Nguyen,
• Phan Khanh Thinh Nguyen and
• Dai Hai Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1132–1141, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.92

• massive guidance in synthesizing an efficient photocatalyst for CH4 conversion under mild conditions. Keywords: photocatalysis; photocatalytic CH4 oxidation; p–n heterojunction; TiO2/SiNWs; Introduction Methane (CH4), which can take the form of liquefied natural gas, is one of the crucial sources of

• deposition on catalyst surfaces [4][5][6][7]. Therefore, sustainable strategies for both green conversion and atmospheric removal of CH4 are urgently necessary [8][9][10][11]. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has been attracting scientists’ attention because of its environmental friendliness and easy

Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications

• Shakhzodjon Uzokboev,
• Khojimukhammad Akhmadbekov,
• Ra’no Nuritdinova,
• Salah M. Tawfik and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1077–1104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.88

• water and remove volatile organic compounds using photocatalysis. The evaporation rate was 2.24 kg·m−2·h−1 [113]. Volatile aldehydes have a negative influence on both human health and the environment. Thus, a quick, simple, and highly accurate method for the simultaneous detection and removal of several

Intermixing of MoS₂ and WS₂ photocatalysts toward methylene blue photodegradation

• Maryam Al Qaydi,
• Nitul S. Rajput,
• Michael Lejeune,
• Abdellatif Bouchalkha,
• Mimoun El Marssi,
• Steevy Cordette,
• Chaouki Kasmi and
• Mustapha Jouiad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 817–829, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.68

• Arab Emirates 10.3762/bjnano.15.68 Abstract Visible-light-driven photocatalysis using layered materials has garnered increasing attention regarding the degradation of organic dyes. Herein, transition-metal dichalcogenides MoS2 and WS2 prepared by chemical vapor deposition as well as their intermixing

• several cycles. This finding underscores the advantageous outcomes of intermixing WS2 and MoS2, shedding light on the development of an efficient and enduring photocatalyst for visible-light-driven photodegradation of methylene blue. Keywords: methylene blue; MoS2/WS2 composite; photocatalysis

• place corrective actions for the development of efficient strategies for water treatment [3]. Following these measures, various technologies have proven their efficacy for water depollution, including adsorption and photocatalysis, and are often utilized for heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticide

Green synthesis of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

• Dalia Chávez-García,
• Mario Guzman,
• Viridiana Sanchez and
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 755–766, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.63

• industrial wastewater. Photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly water purification method that uses light-activated catalysts to destroy contaminants, offering an advantage over traditional methods that merely transfer contaminants between phases [17][18][19]. While some studies on CQDs involve costly

• of CQDs range from sensing and cell imaging to drug delivery, photocatalysis, and energy conversion [26][27][28][29]. In this study, biomass from watermelon shell and grape pomace waste is used as the carbon source. The hydrothermal method employing urea, nitric acid, and water is utilized. Samples

• precursors, this research aims to develop a more sustainable and cost-effective approach for producing CQDs as catalysts in the photocatalysis process. Utilizing watermelon peels and grape pomace as raw materials contributes to waste valorization and promotes a circular economy concept. The ultimate goal is

Laser synthesis of nanoparticles in organic solvents – products, reactions, and perspectives

• Theo Fromme,
• Sven Reichenberger,
• Katharine M. Tibbetts and
• Stephan Barcikowski

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 638–663, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.54

• the laser-generated nanoparticles in nanomedicine [60][61] and catalysis [13][54][62][63], including electro- and photocatalysis [13]. The liquid’s influence on the nanoparticle properties as well as its decomposition products, in contrast, have received significantly less attention. Some past reviews

Controllable physicochemical properties of WO_x thin films grown under glancing angle

• Rupam Mandal,
• Aparajita Mandal,
• Alapan Dutta,
• Rengasamy Sivakumar,
• Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava and
• Tapobrata Som

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 350–359, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.31

• [2]. WOx nanostructures, exhibiting high chemical and thermal stability, and structural flexibility, have obvious relevance in areas such as photocatalysis [22], electrochromism [23], supercapacitors [24], and lithium batteries [25] and have undergone extensive investigations during the last decades

Upscaling the urea method synthesis of CoAl layered double hydroxides

• Camilo Jaramillo-Hernández,
• Víctor Oestreicher,
• Martín Mizrahi and
• Gonzalo Abellán

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 927–938, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.76

• materials is one of the most relevant fields in materials science. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), a versatile class of anionic clays, exhibit great potential in photocatalysis, energy storage and conversion, and environmental applications. However, its implementation in real-life devices requires the

• < x < 0.33). An− symbolizes a constituent ranging from (in)organic anions to macromolecules, and Sv stands for solvent molecules. This general composition leads to a plethora of highly tunable systems [12][13][14][15][16] with relevance in environmental applications [17], photocatalysis [18], energy

Nanomaterials for photocatalysis and applications in environmental remediation and renewable energy

• Viet Van Pham and
• Wee-Jun Ong

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 722–724, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.58

• , and related fields [4]. To reduce contaminants (e.g., air pollution (CO2, NOx, SO2), POPs) there are many routes (e.g., physicochemical approaches, biological fixation, advanced oxidation process, and photocatalysis [5][6][7][8]). Among the aforementioned methods, the photocatalysis route is

• appropriate for treating pollutants, even in atmospheric conditions [9][10][11]. Moreover, the photocatalysis method is also a potential solution for environmental remediation, carbon emission reduction, and renewable energy production [12][13][14]. Combining photocatalysts and sunlight irradiation is a

• potential strategy for water treatment via the effectively infinite energy from the sun and the photocatalysts. Photocatalysis based on nanostructured semiconductors can significantly contribute to tackling several environmental pollution problems, sustainable synthesis, and energy production [2][15][16