Research Information System
in: Metal Oxide Nanocatalysts for Sustainable Energy Production, wiley, pp.41-58, 2026
Environmental pollution from industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization practices has become a very serious issue due to the tenacity of wastes and their toxicity in the air and water. Metal oxide nanocatalysts have become a focus of environmental cleaning due to their ability to efficiently remediate the environment because of their high surface area, chemical stability, and catalytic reactivity. These nanocatalysts are used in the significant impact and processes of photocatalysis, adsorption, and AOR (advanced oxidation reactions) that have the ability to degrade or remove harmful contaminants. Specifically, it has been observed that titanium dioxide (TiO 2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO) as nanocatalysts have a strong potential in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur compounds, and heavy metals from contaminated air. They eliminate more complex organic pollution in water treatment, such as dyes, pesticides, and drugs, improving the water quality and decreasing the industrial waste output. The ability of these nanomaterials to transform toxic substances into less harmful products also signifies their relevance in pollution abatement strategies. However, there are concerns regarding their long-term stability, reusability, and potential risks to the environment. Addressing these problems through improved synthesis and design is key to facilitating large-scale applications. Further innovation in this field will provide promising opportunities for advancing sustainable pollution control technologies.