Can Chalcogenide Alloys Replace Traditional Photocatalysts for Sustainable Dye Degradation: Review

Abstract

: Water contamination by synthetic dyes, a pressing environmental and health concern, is primarily attributed to industrial wastewater discharge. Traditional dye removal methods, while effective, often suffer from high energy consumption and secondary pollution. Photocatalysis, a green and energy-efficient approach, offers a promising solution by completely mineralizing dyes into harmless byproducts. Chalcogenide alloys have emerged as innovative photocatalysts for dye degradation. Their narrow bandgap allows them to absorb a broader range of sunlight, while their cost-effectiveness and superior photocatalytic activity make them attractive for practical applications. This review delves into the potential of binary, ternary, and quaternary chalcogenide materials, examining their mechanisms of dye degradation, the impact of dopants, and their effectiveness in various wastewater treatment scenarios. Despite their advantages, chalcogenide alloys face specific challenges and limitations. Addressing these issues will be crucial for their widespread adoption in large-scale water treatment systems. This review concludes by identifying key research areas and proposing future directions to optimize the performance of chalcogenide-based photocatalysts for sustainable dye removal.