Polymer Nanocomposites as Photocatalysts

Introduction to polymer photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Layout of the book

Overview and fundamentals of photocatalysis

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Principle of photocatalysis

2.3 Factors affecting the photocatalysis process

2.4 Summary

Properties of Polymers

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Optical properties

3.3 Electrical properties

3.4 Thermal properties

3.5 Strength and flexibility

3.6 Summary

Synthesis of polymers

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Chain-growth (addition) polymerization

4.3 Step-growth (condensation) polymerization/polycondensation

4.4 Copolymerization

4.5 Summary

Classifications of polymers

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Classification of polymers based on the source of availability

5.3 Classifications of polymers based on chemical composition

5.4 Classifications of polymers based on structure

5.5 Classifications of polymers based on recyclability

5.6 Summary

Characterization techniques of polymer-based photocatalysts

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Morphological and structural characterization

6.3 Chemical composition and surface area characterization

6.4 Optical, electronic, and electrochemical characterization

6.5 Summary

Common types of polymers in photocatalysis

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Carbon nitride–based polymers

7.3 𝜋-Conjugated polymers

7.4 Covalent organic frameworks

7.5 Covalent triazine frameworks

7.6 Metal-organic frameworks

7.7 Summary

Energy conversion applications of polymer-based photocatalysts

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Photocatalytic H2 production

8.3 Photocatalytic CO2 reduction

8.4 Photocatalytic N2 fixation

8.5 Photocatalytic H2O2 production

8.6 Photocatalytic O2 evolution

8.7 Summary

Pollutants Degradation Applications of Polymer-based Photocatalysts

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Photodegradation of organic dyes

9.3 Photodegradation of antibiotics

9.4 Photodegradation of phenolic compounds

9.5 Photodegradation of organic pesticides

9.6 Summary

Other applications of polymer-based photocatalysts

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Photoreduction of heavy metals

10.3 Photocatalytic disinfection

10.4 Summary

Potential industrial applications and commercialization challenges

11.1 Introduction: Industrial relevance of photocatalytic technologies

11.2 Potential industrial applications

11.3 Commercialization challenges

11.4 Summary

Conclusions and Outlook

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Conclusion

12.3 Future recommendations