The book reviews the fundamentals of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) technologies to degrade hazardous organics via photocatalysis of 1-dimensional zinc-oxide (ZnO). One-dimensional ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs) have been of utmost interest due to their high surface area, efficient charge transport, and superior photosensitivity. These features make ZnO-based nanorods exciting candidates for applications in photocatalysis. Even though photocatalysis using bare ZnO nanorods is useful in pollutant remediation, several drawbacks such as high recombination of photo-excited charge carriers and ineffective operation of sunlight make it less effective. This book thus presents a review of the current modification strategies carried out to increase the ZnO nanorods photoactivity, such as enhancing the photocatalytic activity of ZnO through modification of its electronic and optical properties, doping metal/nonmetal atoms, depositing noble metals, constructing heterojunctions, and coupling carbon materials. This book provides invaluable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers seeking sustainable solutions for pollutant degradation. Furthermore, the discussion on future directions illuminates the potential of ZnO nanorods as a promising photoactive material, fostering continued innovation and progress in the field.

Autorentext

Dr. Pierre Ramos is a Physical Engineer and Doctor in Physics from the Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria in Lima, Peru. He currently works as a Researcher in the Thin Films Laboratory at the Faculty of Sciences of the same university. Additionally, he serves as an analyst at the Center for the Development of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (CEMAT) and teaches part-time at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. As a CONCYTEC Researcher (Level IV), Dr. Ramos specializes in fabricating and characterizing nanomaterials using various methods. His research focuses on applying these materials for environmental purposes, particularly in advanced oxidation processes like heterogeneous photocatalysis for wastewater treatment. He is the author and co-author of twelve indexed international publications and holds one patent of invention. Dr. Ramos actively participates as a Co-Investigator and evaluator of national and international research projects, contributing significantly to the progress and understanding of advanced materials, particularly in their application within the environmental sector.

Dr. Luis Sanchez is a Physics Engineer and Ph.D. in Physics from the National University of Engineering in Lima, Peru. He is an Associate Professor at the National University of Engineering and is qualified as a CONCYTEC researcher by the Peruvian Council for Science and Technology (Level IV). Dr. Sanchez is the author and co-author of fifteen indexed international publications and two book chapters. He specializes in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanotechnological materials using a variety of techniques. His research focuses on environmental applications of these materials, particularly in advanced oxidation processes such as heterogeneous photocatalysis for wastewater treatment and capacitive deionization (CDI) for seawater and brackish desalination.

Dr. Juan Rodriguez is a physicist and Principal Professor at the National University of Engineering. He is a member of the Peruvian National Academy of Sciences and a Distinguished Researcher recognized by the Peruvian Council for Science and Technology. Dr. Rodriguez is dedicated to the development and characterization of advanced nanotechnological materials, as well as the development and construction of prototypes for water disinfection and contaminant removal. He is the author and co-author of 68 indexed international publications and has reviewed and edited numerous works. Additionally, he holds four patents in the area of water purification. Dr. Rodriguez has coordinated and evaluated national and international research projects and has over 15 years of experience advising students and teaching Master and PhD courses. Nine of his M.Sc. and three Ph.D. students have defended their theses under his guidance. He has authored eight chapters in national and international books and has been an invited speaker at more than 50 international conferences. Dr. Rodriguez has been the recipient of several awards, including the CONCYTEC 2004, MERCOSUR 2006, INNOTEC 2012, and Elsevier Excellence Award - 2018. Since December 2020 and up to june 2021, he has served as the Executive Director of the National Program for Scientific Research and Advanced Studies (PROCIENCIA).