Low-Dimensional Structures and Composite Materials for Environmental Remediation

Low-dimensional structures, including one-dimensional (1D) carbon dots and two-dimensional (2D) materials, are intensively studied as catalysts for environmental remediation due to their excellent optical and electronic properties and highly developed surface areas. Carbon dots with sizes below 10 nm are characterized by photostability, low toxicity, tunable emission, and easy surface functionalization, enabling effective pollutant degradation and water purification. Meanwhile, 2D materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, offer a high surface area and tunable energy gaps, which promote improved adsorption, photocatalysis, and charge separation, thereby contributing to the elimination of pollutants such as dyes, drugs, and pesticides.

This presentation discusses our recent results on the synthesis of low-dimensional materials and their composites, including coatings, membranes, and hybrid photo- and sonocatalysts. In photocatalytic systems, carbon dot (1D) structures are used to enhance light harvesting, charge separation, and overall energy conversion efficiency. In piezoelectric 2D materials such as Bi₂WO₆, WO₃, and MoS₂, mechanical deformation induces an internal electric field that promotes charge separation and reduces recombination, improving catalytic performance. Two-dimensional materials are also effective in sonocatalysis, where ultrasonic waves generate cavitation, producing localized high-energy conditions that activate catalyst surfaces, enhance mass transfer, and generate reactive species. Coupling light with ultrasound in sono-photocatalysis provides synergistic effects, enabling efficient pollutant degradation and water purification. The combination of photo and sonocatalysts yields synergistic effects, improving remediation efficiency, selectivity, and stability under real-world conditions. Addressing challenges related to synthesis, performance optimization, and scalability, the presentation provides insights into the use of 1D and 2D composites in sustainable environmental technologies, paving the way for practical applications in wastewater treatment.

Acknowledgements

The following European Commission grants supported this work: HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01-01 – Piezo2D (project number 101131229) and H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018 - FUNCOAT (project number 823942)