New generation advanced nanomaterials for photocatalytic abatement of phenolic compounds.

Nowadays, organic pollutants create severe problems worldwide. Phenolic compounds are the harmful pollutants that are developed from industrial effluents, thus causing several environmental problems. Low-cost materials show good potential capabilities for removal of phenolic compounds but are not so effective, so modification is required. New generation nanocatalysts are thought to be excellent for phenol removal. Removal of phenolic pollutants by photodegradation may lead to the decrement of these problematic groups. In this review, (i) a new generation of catalysts for the removal of phenolic compounds is discussed, (ii) nanocatalysts for photodegradation processes, and (iii) the mechanisms involved in photodegradation processes are also discussed. It is noticeable from the analysis that new generation catalysts for photodegradation processes have been demonstrated for high removal abilities of irrefutable phenolic compounds. Finally, future perspectives are also given in this article for the further development of next-generation catalysts. [Display omitted] • This review highlights the recent photocatalytic progress in the degradation of phenolic compounds. • Various nanocomposites like metal oxides; metal sulfides are discussed in this article. • The low-cost materials like biochar and other carbon-based nanocomposite are also discussed. • In recent years, MXene is found to be efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation. • Future prospectus and challenges are discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]