An application of ultrasound technology in synthesis of titania-based photocatalyst for degrading pollutant

- Ultrasound was used as a mean to synthesize titania-based photocatalyst.
- Principal of ultrasound and its uniqueness in materials synthesis were highlighted.
- Operating conditions affected sonochemical synthesis of photocatalyst.
- Ultrasound synthesized titania-based photocatalysts were able to degrade pollutants.
- Advantages, challenges and perspectives using ultrasound in synthesis were examined.

Since the development of heterogeneous photocatalysis in 1970s, titania-based photocatalyst has been one of the most actively studied materials for wastewater remediation applications. Its attractiveness lies not only on its interesting photocatalytic activities, but also its chemical stability, low cost, biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. With myriad of studies on the preparation of titania-based photocatalysts in the past years, growing interest on the principles of green chemistry and sustainable has stimulated the exploration of new methods for clean and efficient synthesis. Currently, the use of ultrasound as an efficient and innocuous mean for material synthesis has been subjected to intense research. The unusual phenomena of acoustic cavitation caused by ultrasonic waves have opened up a new world of possibilities for producing highly-efficient photocatalysts with novel structures. This critical review is intended to discuss the recent advancements, challenges and future prospects on the use of ultrasound in the development and modification of titania-based photocatalyst targeting on pollutant degradation purposes.