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In pursuit of advancing photocatalysts for superior performance in water treatment and clean energy generation, researchers are increasingly focusing on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) which have garnered significant attention due to their customizable properties, morphologies, distinctive 2D layered structure and flexible options for modifying anions and cations. No review has previously delved specifically into ZnCr and NiCr LDH-based photocatalysts and therefore, this review highlights the recent surge in ZnCr and NiCr-based LDHs as potential photocatalysts for their applications in water purification and renewable energy generation. The structural and fundamental characteristics of layered double hydroxides and especially ZnCr-LDHs and NiCr-LDHs are outlined. Further, the various synthesis techniques for the preparation of ZnCr-LDHs, NiCr-LDHs and their composite and heterostructure materials have been briefly discussed. The applicability of ZnCr-LDH and NiCr-LDH based photocatalysts in tackling significant issues in water treatment and sustainable energy generation is the main emphasis of this review. It focuses on photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater, elucidating the principles and advancements for enhancing the efficiency of these materials. It also explores their role in H 2 production through water splitting, conversion of CO 2 into valuable fuels and NH 3 synthesis from N 2 , shedding light on their potential for clean energy solutions. The insights presented herein offer valuable guidance for researchers working towards sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and renewable energy generation. [Display omitted] • Fundamentals and properties of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs). • ZnCr and NiCr LDHs as photocatalysts-Properties and Performance. • Water treatment and clean energy production-Mechanism and issues. • ZnCr and NiCr LDH based water treatment & clean energy production. • The challenges and future development direction for sustainable use are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs), as emerging pollutants, have attracted the attention of environmentalists, statespersons, and the scientific community over the last few decades. To address the spread of MPs in the environment, it is imperative to develop various removal techniques and materials that are effective, scalable, and ecologically benign. However, to the best of our knowledge, no review has systematically examined the removal of MPs using adsorption or provided an in-depth discussion on various adsorbents. Adsorption is an inexpensive and effective technology for wastewater treatment. Recently, many researchers have conducted studies on MP remediation using diverse adsorbent materials, such as biochar, activated carbon, sponges, carbon nanotubes, metal-layered oxides, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and zeolites. Each adsorbent has advantages and disadvantages. To overcome their disadvantages, researchers have been designing and developing hybrid adsorbents for MP remediation. This review provides insights into these individual adsorbents and also discusses hybrid adsorbents for MP removal. Finally, the review elaborates on future possibilities and ways to enable more efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly MP cleanup. Overall, this review bridges the gap between contemporary MP remediation using adsorption techniques and adsorbent development. [Display omitted] • Adsorption-based microplastic remediation was reviewed. • The factors affecting microplastic adsorption were thoroughly discussed. • A comprehensive analysis is presented on several microplastic adsorbents. • Microplastic adsorption challenges and future perspectives are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dramatic rise in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere caused by the continuous use of carbon fuels continues to have a significant impact on environmental degradation and the disappearance of energy reserves. Past few years have seen a significant increase in the interest in photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction because of its ability to lower CO 2 releases from the burning of fossil fuels while also producing fuels and important chemical products. Because of their excellent catalytic efficiency, great uniformity, lengthy charge diffusion layers and texture flexibility that enable accurate band gap and band line optimization, perovskite-based nanomaterials are perhaps the most advantageous among the numerous semiconductors proficient in accelerating CO 2 conversion under visible light. Firstly, a brief insight into photocatalytic CO 2 conversion mechanism and structural features of perovskites are discussed. Further the classification and selection of perovskites for Z and S-scheme heterojunctions and their role in photocatalytic CO 2 reduction analysed. The efficient modification and engineering of heterojunctions via co-catalyst loading, morphology control and vacancy introduction have been comprehensively reviewed. Third, the state-of-the-art achievements of perovskite-based Z-scheme and S-scheme heterojunctions are systematically summarized and discussed. Finally, the challenges, bottlenecks and future perspectives are discussed to provide a pathway for applying perovskite-based heterojunctions for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. [Display omitted] • Insight into the mechanism and research progress of photocatalytic CO 2 reduction. • Properties of perovskites as photocatalysts and their synthetic routes. • Boosting the CO 2 conversion through perovskite based Z and S-scheme heterojunctions • The charge transfer mechanism and designing of perovskite based heterojunctions • The future expectations, challenges and outlook are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]