ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets which linger in enclosed spaces, often exacerbated by HVAC systems. Although research to improve HVAC handling of SARS-CoV-2 is progressing, currently installed HVAC systems cause problems because they recirculate air and use ineffective filters against virus. This paper details the process of developing a novel method of eliminating air pollutants and suspended pathogens in enclosed spaces using Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology. It has been previously employed to remove organic contaminants and compounds from air streams using the irradiation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces with ultraviolet (UV) lights causing the disintegration of organic compounds by reactions with oxygen (O) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). The outcome was two functional prototypes that demonstrate the operation of PCO-based air purification principle. These prototypes comprise a novel TiO2 coated fibre mop system, which provide very large surface area for UV irradiation. Four commercially accessible materials were used for the construction of the mop: Tampico, Brass, Coco, and Natural synthetic. Two types of UV lights were used: 365 nm (UVA) and 270 nm (UVC). A series of tests were conducted that proved the prototype's functionality and its efficiency in lowering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO). The results shown that a MopFan with rotary mop constructed with Coco fibres and utilising UVC light achieves the best VOC and HCHO purification performance. Within 2 h, this combination lowered HCHO by 50% and VOCs by 23% approximately.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Seasonal waves of SARS outbreaks, including COVID-19, necessitate the development of measures to create health-safe conditions in crowded places.Problem Statement. The existing supply and exhaust systems of the centralized heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) do not protect against infection, moreover, they serve as a source for the accumulation and spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Finding effective ways to clean the air in places of mass gathering of people as a component of anti-epidemic measures is an urgent task. Purpose. The purpose of this research is to develop and create equipment for cleaning and disinfecting air from airborne pathogenic microflora in the HVAC systems, which can be installed in the centralized ventilation systems of buildings without their reconstruction and modifications in technological parameters. Material and Methods. A complex of physical and chemical methods, which includes analytical and experimental techniques with the use of the theory of electrogas dynamics of dispersed systems and the raster scanning microscopy methods, and the methods for comparing the same quality indicators of specimens and initial samples have been used.Results. To study the efficiency of both the individual plasma-chemical , photocatalytic modules, as well as the equipment as a whole under the operating conditions that simulate those of the centralized ventilation system, an experimental stand has been created. The optimal technological parameters of the processes for raising the efficiency of air disinfection and purification in the HVAC systems by the plasma photocatalysis methods have been determined. Technical solutions for increasing the energy efficiency of the experimental stand for the complex air purification and disinfection from a wide class of air pollutants in the supply and exhaust ventilation systems of buildings have been proposed.ent, as well as to determine the required level of innova-tion factor by maximizing the hidden innovation capacity.Conclusions. Air disinfection by the method of combined plasma-photocatalytic effect on the air flow with a system for catalytic-thermal decomposition of excess ozone ensures effectively removing pollutants and allows reducing the microbiological contamination of the air to a safe level.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic refocused scientists the world over to produce technologies that will be able to prevent the spread of such diseases in the future. One area that deservedly receives much attention is the disinfection of health facilities like hospitals, public areas like bathrooms and train stations, and cleaning areas in the food industry. Microorganisms and viruses can attach to and survive on surfaces for a long time in most cases, increasing the risk for infection. One of the most attractive disinfection methods is paints and coatings containing nanoparticles that act as photocatalysts. Of these, titanium dioxide is appealing due to its low cost and photoreactivity. However, on its own, it can only be activated under high-energy UV light due to the high band gap and fast recombination of photogenerated species. The ideal material or coating should be activated under artificial light conditions to impact indoor areas, especially considering wall paints or frequent-touch areas like door handles and elevator buttons. By introducing dopants to TiO2 NPs, the bandgap can be lowered to a state of visible-light photocatalysis occurring. Naturally, many researchers are exploring this property now. This review article highlights the most recent advancements and research on visible-light activation of TiO2-doped NPs in coatings and paints. The progress in fighting air pollution and personal protective equipment is also briefly discussed. Graphical Abstract: Indoor visible-light photocatalytic activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over TiO2 nanoparticles in paint to kill bacteria and coat frequently touched surfaces in the medical and food industries.
ABSTRACT
Atmospheric nitrogen oxides ( NO x = NO + NO 2 ) are key pollutants and short-lived climate forcers contributing to acid rain, photochemical smog, aerosol formation and climate change. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide ( NO 2 ) emitted mainly from transportation, causes adverse health effects associated with respiratory illnesses and increased mortality even at low concentration. Application of titanium dioxide ( TiO 2 )-based photocatalysis in urban environment is a new air cleaning solution, activated by sunlight and water vapour to produce OH radicals, able to remove NO x and other pollutants from the planetary boundary layer. This study is a large-scale evaluation of NO x removal efficiency at a near-road environment with applied photocatalytic NOxOFF™ technology on an urban road west of Copenhagen, thus supporting local municipality in meeting their clean-air Agenda 2030. The photocatalytic NOxOFF™ granulate containing TiO 2 nanoparticles was applied on an asphalt road in July 2020 and ambient NO x was measured during a six-month monitoring campaign. It is the first NO x monitoring campaign carried out at this road and specific efforts have been devoted to evaluate the reduction in ambient NO x levels with NOxOFF™-treated asphalt. Several methods were used to evaluate the photocatalytic effect, taking into account analysis limitations such as the short reference period prior to application and the highly uncertain measurement period during which SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures impacted air quality. There was no statistically significant difference in NO x concentrations between the reference period and the photocatalytic active period and NO removal efficiency resulted in - 0.17 (± 1.27). An upper limit removal of 17.5% NO x was estimated using a kinetic tunnel model. While NO 2 comparison with COPERT V street traffic model projection was roughly estimated to decrease by 39% (± 38%), although this estimate is subject to high uncertainty. The observed annual mean NO 2 concentration complies with Frederiksberg clean-air Agenda 2030 and air quality standards. Graphical abstract: A graphical abstract illustrating the air cleaning properties of TiO 2 -based photocatalytic-treated asphalt.
ABSTRACT
Now in the context of the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, the control and removal of microbial aerosols has once again attracted academic attention, while conventional air purification methods such as filtration, chemical agents and UV have their own defects and deficiencies. With the advantages of high efficiency, wide spectrum, green, no residue, dynamic continuous disinfection, photocatalysis has broad application prospects. In this paper, the research on the inactivation of microbial aerosols with photocatalysis system is summarized and analyzed from the aspects of the types of photocatalysts, the load of photocatalysts, the light source and the structure and operation of reactors. TiO2 or its derivative materials are selected as photocatalysts in most studies, and more novel and efficient photocatalysts should be applied. Porous, multi-channel and large surface area catalyst carriers can effectively improve the efficiency of photocatalysis system. The light source still depends on UV light, and the application of visible light needs more research. There are few studies on improving the photocatalysis system by optimizing the reactor structure, and the most commonly used is the ring reactor. Researchers have developed photocatalytic air purifiers or combined photocatalysis systems with indoor air duct systems. In the future, photocatalysis system will become an important means for indoor microbial aerosol control. © 2023 Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected the large population across the globe by serious respiratory illness and death. Since the medicine for this new disease is yet to discover, the treatment op-tions against pandemic COVID-19 are very limited and unsatisfactory. Further, the hospitals, wherethe COVID-19 patients are admitted for treatment, are the major source of the spread of this virus, as it survives on the surfaces of inanimate objects for days. Therefore, hospitals have become hotspots for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The non-availability of quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure to severe COVID patients have been major factors for the infection in millions of healthcare workers. However, developing an effective medicine has remained challenging due to its unpredictable mutation rate. Here, this article describes functionalized photocatalytic nanocoat-ings to destroy the COVID-19 virus, which can be applied on the surface of inanimate objects, such as paper, cloth, glass, wood, ceramic, metallic, and polymeric surfaces. With the supporting experimental results, various possible ways of killing the virus and its relevant mechanism are dis-cussed. This article provides new insights for developing nano solutions to address this COVID-19 issue.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
The photocatalytic degradation of the emerging contaminant paracetamol in aqueous solution has been studied under 1 SUN (~1000 W m−2) in the presence of four commercial TiO2 powders, namely sub-micrometric anatase and rutile, and nanometric brookite and P25 (the popular anatase/rutile mixture used as a benchmark in most papers). The rutile powder showed low activity, whereas, interestingly, the anatase and the brookite powders outperformed P25 in terms of total paracetamol conversion to carboxylic acids, which, according to the literature, are the final products of its degradation. To explain such results, the physicochemical properties of the powders were studied by applying a multi-technique approach. Among the physicochemical properties usually affecting the photocatalytic performance of TiO2, the presence of some surface impurities likely deriving from K3PO4 (used as crystallization agent) was found to significantly affect the percentage of paracetamol degradation obtained with the sub-micrometric anatase powder. To confirm the role of phosphate, a sample of anatase, obtained by a lab synthesis procedure and having a "clean” surface, was used as a control, though characterized by nanometric particles and higher surface area. The sample was less active than the commercial anatase, but it was more active after impregnation with K3PO4. Conversely, the presence of Cl at the surface of the rutile did not sizably affect the (overall poor) photocatalytic activity of the powder. The remarkable photocatalytic activity of the brookite nanometric powder was ascribed to a combination of several physicochemical properties, including its band structure and nanoparticles size.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease-2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is the most difficult recent global outbreak. Semiconducting materials can be used as effective photocatalysts in photoactive technology by generating various reactive oxidative species (ROS), including superoxide (•O2−) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals, either by degradation of proteins, DNA, and RNA or by inhibition of cell development through terminating the cellular membrane. This review emphasizes the capability of photocatalysis as a reliable, economical, and fast-preferred method with high chemical and thermal stability for the deactivation and degradation of SARS-CoV-2. The light-generated holes present in the valence band (VB) have strong oxidizing properties, which result in the oxidation of surface proteins and their inactivation under light illumination. In addition, this review discusses the most recent photocatalytic systems, including metals, metal oxides, carbonaceous nanomaterials, and 2-dimensional advanced structures, for efficient SARS-CoV-2 inactivation using different photocatalytic experimental parameters. Finally, this review article summarizes the limitations of these photocatalytic approaches and provides recommendations for preserving the antiviral properties of photocatalysts, large-scale treatment, green sustainable treatment, and reducing the overall expenditure for applications. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Catalysts (2073-4344) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
Plastic waste pollution is becoming one of the most pressing environmental crises due to the large-scale production without satisfactory recycling schemes, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Upcycling of plastic waste into valuable chemicals powered by solar energy presents a substantially untapped opportunity to turn waste into treasure. In this review, the fundamental principles from plastic nonselective degradation to selective synthesis are first clarified. Then, we aim to outline the representative recent advances in photoredox-based catalytic plastic waste conversion. Particular emphasis is placed on the valorization of plastic waste regarding nonselective degradation versus selective synthesis. Finally, we present challenges and individual insights for further exploration of the plastic waste conversion domain. It is anticipated that this timely and critical review would provide an instructive direction and foresight on the selective conversion of plastics to value-added chemical feedstocks, thus stimulating the development of a circular and sustainable plastic economy in the coming decades. © 2023 American Chemical Society.
ABSTRACT
This collection of papers from Latin American catalytic researchers was born from online interaction during the trialing times of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The collection showcases the diversification that the field of catalysis has had in our region and features works from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, as well as contributions from Latin American researchers who have developed their careers abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of ChemCatChem is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
ABSTRACT
Indoor air quality is a crucial factor when evaluating habitability, especially in developed countries, where people spend most of their time indoors. This paper presents a novel double skin façade (DSF) system that combines physical and photocatalytic filtering strategies. The air purification system is made up of fixed slats that are both solar protection and air purification system. The objective of this work is to determine the thermal behaviour of the proposed system, so that its suitability for use in various environments may be assessed. This was carried out using a physical 1:1 scale model and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The maximum temperature inside the scale model cavity was 17–20 °C higher than outdoor air. Additionally, it was discovered that the airflow through the DSF would require forced ventilation. To determine the emissivity values of the photocatalytic coating, additional experimental measurements were made. The CFD model was tested for summer and winter conditions in Barcelona, Chicago, and Vancouver. The average increase in the intake air temperature was around 14.5 °C in winter and 12 °C in summer, finding that the system has its main use potential in temperate or cold areas with many hours of solar radiation.
ABSTRACT
Mould fungi are serious threats to humans and animals (allergen) and might be the main cause of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. The common methods of disinfection are not highly effective against fungi due to the high resistance of fungal spores. Recently, photocatalysis has attracted significant attention towards antimicrobial action. Outstanding properties of titania photocatalysts have already been used in many areas, e.g., for building materials, air conditioner filters, and air purifiers. Here, the efficiency of photocatalytic methods to remove fungi and bacteria (risk factors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 co-infection) is presented. Based on the relevant literature and own experience, there is no doubt that photocatalysis might help in the fight against microorganisms, and thus prevent the severity of COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
The eradication and isolation of viruses are two concurrent approaches to protect ourselves from viral infections and diseases. The quite versatile porous materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have recently emerged as efficient nanosized tools to manage viruses, and several strategies to accomplish these tasks have been developed. This review describes these strategies employing nanoscale MOFs against SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, tobacco mosaic virus, etc., which include the sequestration by host-guest penetration inside pores, mineralization, design of a physical barrier, controlled delivery of organic and inorganic antiviral drugs or bioinhibitors, photosensitization of singlet oxygen, and direct contact with inherently cytotoxic MOFs.
ABSTRACT
Among the various emerging contaminants, pharmaceuticals (PhACs) seem to have adverse effects on the quality of water. Even the smallest concentration of PhACs in ground water and drinking water is harmful to humans and aquatic species. Among all the deaths reported due to COVID-19, the mortality rate was higher for those patients who consumed antibiotics. Consequently, PhAC in water is a serious concern and their removal needs immediate attention. This study has focused on the PhACs' degradation by collaborating photocatalysis with membrane filtration. TiO2-based photocatalytic membrane is an innovative strategy which demonstrates mineralization of PhACs as a safer option. To highlight the same, an emphasis on the preparation and reinforcing properties of TiO2-based nanomembranes has been elaborated in this review. Further, mineralization of antibiotics or cytostatic compounds and their degradation mechanisms is also highlighted using TiO2 assisted membrane photocatalysis. Experimental reactor configurations have been discussed for commercial implementation of photoreactors for PhAC degradation anchored photocatalytic nanomembranes. Challenges and future perspectives are emphasized in order to design a nanomembrane based prototype in future for wastewater management.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Water Purification , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Catalysis , Humans , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Titanium , Wastewater , Water , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysisABSTRACT
Global pollution is calling for advanced methods to remove contaminants from water and wastewater, such as TiO2-assisted photocatalysis. The environmental applications of titanium dioxide have started after the initial TiO2 application for water splitting by Fujishima and Honda in 1972. TiO2 is now used for self-cleaning surfaces, air and water purification systems, microbial inactivation and selective organic conversion. The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials with high photocatalytic activity is actually a major challenge. Here we review titanium dioxide photocatalysis with focus on mechanims, synthesis, and applications. Synthetic methods include sol-gel, sonochemical, microwave, oxidation, deposition, hydro/solvothermal, and biological techniques. Applications comprise the production of energy, petroleum recovery, and the removal of microplastics, pharmaceuticals, metals, dyes, pesticides, and of viruses such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
ABSTRACT
Environmental-friendly and efficient strategies for triclosan (TCS) removal have received more attention. Influenced by COVID-19, a large amount of TCS contaminants were accumulated in medical and domestic wastewater discharges. In this study, a unique g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 heterostructure was fabricated and optimized by a novel and simple method for superb photocatalytic dechlorination of TCS into 2-phenoxyphenol (2-PP) under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared samples were characterized and analyzed by XRD, BET, SEM, XPS, etc. The rationally designed g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 (4:6) catalyst exhibited notably photocatalytic activity in that more than 95.5% of TCS was transformed at 180 min, which was 3.6 times higher than that of pure g-C3N4 powder. This catalyst promotes efficient photocatalytic electron-hole separation for efficient dechlorination by photocatalytic reduction. The samples exhibited high recyclable ability and the dechlorination pathway was clear. The results of Density Functional Theory calculations displayed the TCS dechlorination selectivity has different mechanisms and hydrogen substitution may be more favorable than hydrogen ion in the TCS dechlorination hydrogen transfer process. This work will provide an experimental and theoretical basis for designing high-performance photocatalysts to construct the systems of efficient and safe visible photocatalytic reduction of aromatic chlorinated pollutants, such as TCS in dechlorinated waters. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
ABSTRACT
The use of heterojunctions with different semiconductors has shown to be an important strategy to increase the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalytic processes. In this regard, heterojunctions consisting of ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 (x-Zn/gCN) and ZnFe 2 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 (x-ZF/gCN) were synthesized in different mass proportions of g-C 3 N 4 (x = 10, 50 and 80%) through the following simple methods combination: mixture, sonication and thermal treatment. Observations from X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses confirmed that the materials were successfully formed. The g-C 3 N 4 incorporation was important in the textural and optical properties modification of the heterojunctions produced. In addition, in the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), it was possible to observe g-C 3 N 4 influence in the 50-Zn/gCN emission profile changing, reducing the direct recombination rate of the photogenerated charges due to a probable Z-scheme mechanism. This catalyst demonstrated greater efficiency of photocatalytic degradation when compared to the remaining materials, both for cefazolin (CFZ) and reactive black 5 (RB5), reaching 78% and 95%, respectively, after 120 min. Moreover, it also revealed good photostability after five successive cycles. 50-Zn/gCN heterojunction presents a promising character in photocatalytic reactions mediated by solar light for contaminants degradation such as pharmaceutical products and dyes and can be used as an alternative to minimize the effects of water pollution caused during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Display omitted] • ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 and ZnFe 2 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunctions were obtained by a facile method. • Reduction in the direct recombination rate of photogenerated charges in 50-Zn/gCN. • Charge transfer in 50-Zn/gCN according to the Z-scheme mechanism. • 50-Zn/gCN photocatalytic degradation of 78% for cefazolin and 95% for RB5. • 50-Zn/gCN can reduce water pollution generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ FROM AUTHOR]
ABSTRACT
COVID-19-led antibiotic waste generated from hospitals and health centres may cause serious health issues and significantly impact the environment. In the coming decades, antibiotic resistance will be one of the most significant threats to global human health. Photocatalytic water remediation is an effective and promising environmental solution that can be utilized to address this issue, to convert antibiotic waste into non-toxic products by utilizing renewable and abundant solar energy. In the present study, a novel nanocomposite of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) and molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) was efficiently synthesized by the solvothermal method for the complete degradation of the antibiotics and textile waste from water. The morphology, crystallinity and band gap of the samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provide the binding information of the sample. The photocatalytic activity was tested for degradation of the antibiotics (tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and metronidazole (MNZ)) used in COVID-19 treatment and textile dye (malachite green). Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed the enhanced charge separation in the MoSe2@ZIF-8 nanocomposite with an average lifetime of 4.72 ns as compared to pristine samples. The nanocomposite showed ~ 100% removal efficiency with rate constants of 63 × 10-3, 49 × 10-3 and 42 × 10-3 min-1 for TC, MNZ and malachite green, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of TC was carried out under different pH conditions (4, 7 and 9), and the degradation mechanism was explained on the basis of zeta potential measurements and active species trapping experiment. The by-products of the photocatalytic treatment of TC antibiotics were tested using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), and they were found to be non-toxic for aquatic and human life. The regeneration property of the nanocomposite was confirmed by FESEM with regeneration efficiency of 88.7% in the 4th cycle. Thus, MoSe2@ZIF-8-based photocatalysts have potential application in water remediation, especially in making the antibiotic waste less toxic.
ABSTRACT
Several drugs have sparked interest as potential COVID-19 treatment options. Doxycycline (DOX) has been widely used with other potential agents to reduce COVID-19-induced inflammation. DOX and OFLX, both well-known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs, were chosen as model pollutants. Fe, Cu-codoped TiO2-SiO2 was synthesised as a novel photocatalyst active under sunlight irradiation to treat model pollutants. The synthesised catalyst samples were meticulously characterised using various techniques to evaluate their morphological, optical, and structural properties. The results of BET analysis showed that the TSFC1 sample has a large specific surface area of 288 m(2)g(-1). Maximum degradation of DOX and OFLX (about 98%) was achieved with the TSFC1 catalyst. The photocatalytic reusability was investigated for up to seven successive cycles, and the composite particles maintained their high photodegradation activity for DOX and OFLX. TFSC1 composite, in particular, demonstrated high catalytic activity as well as excellent recovery potential, and its combination with solar light, silica, and dopants can be introduced as a promising strategy for efficiently destroying both DOX and OFLX antibiotics. This study highlights the feasibility of hybridising doped dual semiconductor nanostructures in implementing solar light-powered pharmaceutical wastewater degradation.
ABSTRACT
The global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) has a huge impact on human health and socioeconomic development. Thus, inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 is a big concern for environmental public health and sanitary security. The virus will not be inactivated immediately after leave the host, leading to extended transmission routes. Water is an important medium for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially the urban domestic sewage and medical wastewater. The surface functional protein and nucleic acid (RNA) are the main components of SARS-CoV-2, which can be attacked and destroyed by reactive species such as oxidative radicals, leading to inactivation of virus. The photocatalysis technology using nanomaterials can efficiently produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation. Therefore, by the attack of ROS, the structural protein of virus can be destroyed, the RNA can be damaged to inhibit its biological development, or its binding process to the host can be blocked. In this study, the environmental distribution and transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 are presented firstly. Then, the mechanisms of photocatalysis by using nanomaterials and its application on SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are illustrated. The research progress on inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 through nanomaterial photocatalysis is comprehensively summarized, and the promising photocatalysts that can be used for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are also proposed. This study can provide guidance for the development of photocatalytic nanomaterials for the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, and has great significance for epidemic prevention and control, especially for cutting off the transmission route of virus in water. © 2022 Cailiao Daobaoshe/ Materials Review. All rights reserved.