Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Emerging technologies for urine wastewater recycling in space exploration: A comprehensive review","authors":"Rashmi Ranjan ,&nbsp;Swatantra P. Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efficient water recovery is crucial in long-range space missions, where resupply is limited and a sufficient water supply must be provided for the entire mission duration. Water can be resupplied to the International Space Station (ISS), but for missions outside Low Earth Orbit (LEO), it is almost impossible. Even after 50 years of research, the existing Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) and Water Processor Assembly (WPA) continue to be used on the ISS for water recovery at a suboptimal rate. There is a need to improve the existing system’s efficiency, adapt it to suit the needs of long-range missions, or develop new technology. This review examines the UPA and WPA systems, highlighting their roles, efficiency, and the need for further modification. Membrane-based technologies, including Forward Osmosis (FO) and Membrane Distillation (MD), as well as emerging hybrid technologies such as integrated FO-MD and the Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (PMR), have been discussed. Special attention has been given to brine treatment technologies, such as the Forward Osmosis Brine Dryer (FOBD), Ionomer Water Processor (IWP), Capillary Brine Residual in Containment (CapiBRIC), and Brine Evaporation Bag (BEB), which various space agencies have identified as potential alternatives. Technological advancements in developing a closed-loop biological life support system, Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) are also discussed. These technologies can be used as a standalone system or integrated with other treatment methods for water recycling. The review offers a critical evaluation of current water recycling systems and examines innovative technologies that can be integrated to enhance system reliability in space exploration missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121355"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manganese-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: Mechanistic insights and rational design strategies","authors":"Zhouxiao Wang ,&nbsp;Zhengmin Zhong ,&nbsp;Lisan Fu ,&nbsp;Pengze Yang ,&nbsp;Jinkai Liu ,&nbsp;Qiliang Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage owing to their advantages of high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high safety. Manganese-based materials, characterized by rich reserves, low cost, multiple valence states, and relatively high operating potential, represent a very promising cathode material for AZIBs. This article reviews the latest advances in manganese-based cathode materials for AZIBs from a mechanistic perspective, elucidating the evolution of energy storage mechanisms. Representative manganese-based materials, including MnO₂, Mn₂O₃, Mn₃O₄, ZnMn₂O₄, and manganese composite with other materials, are discussed in terms of their structural characteristics, dominant reaction pathways, and electrochemical behaviors. To address challenges of manganese dissolution, structural instability, and poor conductivity, key modification strategies (elemental doping, surface coating, structural design, and electrolyte optimization) are systematically reviewed, with a focus on their ability to enhance cycling stability and rate performance. Finally, this review outlines future research directions of manganese-based materials as AZIBs cathodes, providing a reference for developing high-performance AZIBs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121461"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances and challenges in graphite recycling from spent lithium-ion batteries","authors":"Naizhe Zhang,&nbsp;Xue Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121412","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121412","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the continuous growth of global energy demand, the demand for graphite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has increased significantly. However, the large volume of end-of-life LIBs generates substantial amounts of retired graphite, which not only poses potential environmental risks but also raises challenges for strategic resource security, making its standardized management an urgent issue. This review focuses on the recycling and reuse of graphite from retired LIBs, systematically summarizing the core stages of the recovery process, including battery disassembly, graphite separation and purification, and strategies for restoring the performance of regenerated graphite. Key technologies, such as mechanical disassembly, hydrometallurgical/pyrometallurgical treatment, acid leaching, graphitization, flash joule heating, microwave treatment, and carbon coating, are analyzed in terms of their advantages and limitations, with discussion on effective approaches to enhance the electrochemical performance, structural repair, and cycling stability of regenerated graphite. Despite significant progress in graphite recycling and regeneration, several research gaps remain, such as the unclear quantitative relationship between defect repair efficiency and energy input during regeneration, which hinders precise process control, and the heterogeneity of retired graphite from different sources, which limits the adaptability of existing technologies. Furthermore, the industrial-scale application of regeneration technologies and the precise regeneration of various types of graphite are expected to be key research directions. These advances will facilitate the closed-loop utilization of LIBs materials, ensure strategic resource supply, and contribute to the development of sustainable energy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121412"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A quantitative IC50-based framework integrating multidimensional toxicity of coal-wastewater inhibitors in biological wastewater treatment systems","authors":"Samir I. Gadow ,&nbsp;Bao-Shan Xing ,&nbsp;Yu Qin ,&nbsp;Yu-You Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coal-derived wastewater contains complex mixtures of persistent organic and inorganic pollutants that impair biological treatment. While many individual inhibitors have been studied, their combined toxicity and process-specific impacts remain poorly understood. This review develops an integrative assessment framework that links IC₅₀-based toxicity thresholds to microbial susceptibility and biological process performance. Key inhibitors including cyanides, phenols, thiocyanates, ammonia, PAHs, heavy metals, and nitrogen-containing heterocycles are evaluated across four major biological treatment systems: aerobic oxidation, anaerobic digestion, partial nitritation, and anammox. Special emphasis is placed on synergistic toxicities (e.g., phenol–ammonia interactions) and on the acute sensitivity of nitrifying and anammox bacteria to heterocyclic compounds such as quinoline and pyridine. By aligning inhibitor profiles with mitigation strategies and removal pathways, this review provides a process-informed roadmap for designing resilient, adaptive treatment trains for coal-derived industrial effluents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121529"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Conductive materials in anaerobic digestion: Mechanisms of process intensification and regulations of microbial metabolisms","authors":"Yuxin He ,&nbsp;Shanying He ,&nbsp;Juncong Zou ,&nbsp;Dexin Wang ,&nbsp;Xiang Li ,&nbsp;Qiuya Niu ,&nbsp;Chunping Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has been widely adopted globally due to its multiple advantages in environmental soundness, energy recovery, and resource recycling. Conductive materials (CMs) are emerging tools to enhance AD stability and methane yield, and have garnered growing attention and significance. Firstly, this review systematically expounds on the current applications of CMs and further explores the potential enhancement mechanisms of CMs. Among these aspects, it analyzes the mechanisms underlying the enhancement of DIET by CMs and the synergistic effects between CMs and quorum sensing signaling molecules in enhancing AD system. Secondly, the effects of CMs on microorganisms are summarized. Specifically, CMs can enrich functional microbial populations and enhance metabolic activity. Thirdly, the current challenges are outlined and future research directions are discussed. This review is intended to provide valuable references for investigating the applications of CMs in AD, thereby facilitating the development of more economical and efficient strategies for AD optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121305"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic competitive removal mechanism for petroleum hydrocarbon under consideration of soil water during the thermal enhanced soil vapor extraction","authors":"Liangliang Lu ,&nbsp;Shui Wang ,&nbsp;Zhibin Liu ,&nbsp;Min Song ,&nbsp;Dingwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Lisen Bai","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The remediation of low-permeability contaminated soils poses a significant challenge. Soil water serves as a crucial factor that restricts the mass transfer of contaminants. The thermal enhanced soil vapor extraction (T-SVE) is an effective technique for treating low-permeability contaminated soils. This paper investigated the removal and migration characteristics of diesel in low-permeability contaminated soils considering water competitive adsorption from a new insight of low-field nuclear magnetism resonance (LF NMR). In this study, a new method for simultaneous testing contaminant concentration and water content was proposed. The results shows that the removal efficiency of diesel is significantly lower than that of soil water during the dynamic extraction process. The diesel re-adsorption is a primary mechanism leading to the low remediation efficiency in low-permeability contaminated soils. Due to the competitive adsorption advantage of water molecules, the phenomenon of diesel re-adsorption was observed below 7 % water content. An optimal water content range of 7 %-16 % was proposed, which can provide optimized parameter for SVE remediation. After the T-SVE process with heating to 250℃, diesel can be removed with a removal rate of 99.8 %. The removal process of different carbon number groups in diesel conforms to an exponential decay kinetic model. Among them, the C10-C12 are mostly desorbed by SVE process. The C13-C20 and C21-C24 are removed during the T-SVE process at 150℃ and 250℃, respectively. In addition, the T1-T2 relaxation behaviors provide insights into the typical migration characteristic of diesel and soil water, including the dynamic migration of diesel, free water and bound water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121239"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced amoxicillin degradation using HKUST–1(Cu/Fe)–derived CuO–Fe/BiVO4 photocatalyst: Reduction of toxicity and antimicrobial activity","authors":"Brenda Liset Coronado–García ,&nbsp;Jorge Luis Guzmán–Mar ,&nbsp;Pedro César Quero–Jiménez ,&nbsp;Mayra Zyzlila Figueroa–Torres ,&nbsp;Roberto Camposeco ,&nbsp;Laura Hinojosa–Reyes","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin (AMX) under UV–Vis irradiation employing the HKUST–1(Cu/Fe)–derived CuO–Fe/BiVO₄ composite was evaluated in this study. The composites were synthesized by a hydrothermal route with 30, 50, and 70 wt% of HKUST–1(Cu/Fe) incorporated into BiVO₄ and subsequently annealed at 400 °C in air. The synthesized materials were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X–ray diffraction (XRD), X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Mott–Schottky/EIS techniques, Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen physisorption. The incorporation of the CuO–Fe derived HKUST–1(Cu/Fe) into BiVO₄, with monoclinic crystalline structure, preserved visible light activity (Eg = 2.09 – 2.28 eV) and improved the textural properties by increasing the surface area (from 1.25 to 7.89 m² g^–1) and pore volume (from 0.011 to 0.484 cm³ g^–1) in the composites; and also favored the formation of oxygen vacancies, which enhanced the photocatalytic activity compared with that of BiVO₄. The photocatalytic degradation of AMX was improved at pH 7 by using the composite with 50 wt% HKUST–1(Cu/Fe) in BiVO₄, reaching 92.92 % in 3 h, compared with 75.59 % for BiVO₄. The degradation by–products were monitored using GC–MS and ion chromatography (IC), which confirmed the formation of acetic, maleic, and fumaric acids at the end of the process. QSAR (Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship) analysis indicated that these compounds have low acute and chronic toxicity. The inactivation of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em> with the effluent derived of AMX photocatalytic oxidation by H1(Cu/Fe)50Bi under UV–Vis irradiation (16.4 % for <em>E. coli</em> and 52.2 % for <em>S. aureus</em>) and simulated sunlight exposure (10.9 % <em>E.coli</em> and 42.4 % for <em>S. aureus</em>), indicated the reduction of its antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the photocatalytic material remained stable over three reuse cycles for AMX degradation. The study conducted in the presence of sequestering agents for reactive oxygen species indicated that holes were the primary species responsible for AMX degradation. Thus, HKUST–1(Cu/Fe)–derived CuO–Fe is a promising material to enhance the photocatalytic properties of BiVO₄.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121045"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response of vegetation restoration and soil reconstitution to coupled manure application in alpine mining areas: A comprehensive assessment","authors":"Zhongyang Yu ,&nbsp;Changhui Li ,&nbsp;Mingchun Yang ,&nbsp;Guoning Jing ,&nbsp;Jianing Li ,&nbsp;Jianli Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fertilization and grassland reconstruction are vital for restoring alpine mining areas, yet the combined effects of sheep manure and commercial organic fertilizer on plant communities, soil properties, and microbial composition in artificial grasslands remain unclear. This study evaluated six fertilization treatments—CK (no fertilization), S (100 % sheep manure), F (100 % organic fertilizer), M1 (60 % sheep manure + 40 % organic fertilizer), M2 (50 % + 50 %), and M3 (40 % + 60 %)—in an artificial grassland established in 2021 in the Muli mining area, Qinghai Province. Sampling and high-throughput sequencing were conducted in 2024. After four years, fertilization significantly altered plant community structure, soil chemical traits, and microbial composition and function. Above-ground biomass, Shannon-Wiener index, Pielou index, and Simpson index under M1 treatment were significantly higher than other treatments, exceeding the control group by 223.03 %, 4.23 %, 12.20 %, and 15.67 %, respectively. Moreover, M1 significantly enhanced total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and organic matter content, with respective increases of 90.70 %, 169.61 %, 504.43 %, 251.24 %, and 391.00 % compared to the control. While M1 treatment led to significant reductions in the bacterial community's Sobs, Ace, and Chao indices, it markedly increased these indices within the fungal community. Structural equation modeling indicated that nutrient supplementation enhances plant productivity by directly improving the soil nutrient environment and indirectly improving microbial community structure. Overall, the fertilization strategy of 60 % sheep manure combined with 40 % commercial organic fertilizer emerges as the most effective approach for vegetation restoration and soil rehabilitation in alpine mining regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121177"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pollution characteristics of Litopenaeus vannamei greenhouse effluents and purification performance of a combined flocculation–ecological floating bed system","authors":"Shanyuan Xue ,&nbsp;Guo Li ,&nbsp;Ensheng Zhu ,&nbsp;Weizhen Zhang ,&nbsp;Jiao Ran ,&nbsp;Zhe Li ,&nbsp;Yu Zhao ,&nbsp;Jingru Hu ,&nbsp;Jing Dong ,&nbsp;Yingxue Yi ,&nbsp;Dan Zhou ,&nbsp;Qiang He ,&nbsp;Zheng Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the rapid intensification of aquaculture, greenhouse-based <em>Litopenaeus vannamei</em> farming generates large volumes of high-salinity and nutrient-rich effluents, posing serious threats to the surrounding aquatic environment. This study systematically investigated the pollution characteristics of greenhouse shrimp aquaculture effluents and developed a combined flocculation-ecological floating bed (EFB) system for efficient purification.The flocculation pretreatment employed polyferric sulfate (PFS) and polyacrylamide (PAM) as coagulants, and the process parameters were optimized using a Box–Behnken response surface model. The optimal conditions were PFS = 0.5 g/L, PAM = 0.01 g/L, pH = 8, temperature = 30 °C, and 15 min for both stirring time and sedimentation time. Under these conditions, removal efficiencies for TSS, turbidity, and COD reached 95.80 %, 96.04 %, and 54.08 %, respectively, with model–experiment deviations below 5 %, confirming the model’s reliability. In the subsequent EFB treatment stage, three fillers—suspended balls, multi-faceted hollow spheres, and carbon fiber grass—were compared. The carbon fiber grass system (D_s) exhibited the best purification performance, achieving 78.7 % TN and 83.5 % COD removal. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the D_s system possessed the highest microbial α-diversity, with enrichment of <em>Bacillus</em> and <em>Paracoccus</em> forming stable co-occurrence networks. Functional gene quantification showed significantly increased <em>nirK</em> and <em>nirS</em> abundances, indicating enhanced denitrification potential. Overall, the integrated “Flocculation + EFB” process effectively removed major pollutants from greenhouse aquaculture effluents and achieved a synergistic coupling between pollutant control and ecological purification, providing theoretical and practical guidance for sustainable treatment of high-salinity aquaculture wastewater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121198"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis, characterization, and classification of quantum dot photocatalysts: Applied catalysis for light-driven environmental remediation and energy conversion","authors":"Keren Shi ,&nbsp;Tuojie Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Li ,&nbsp;Wende Yi ,&nbsp;Ziyan Wang ,&nbsp;Qiaowei Xiao ,&nbsp;Yan Liu ,&nbsp;Changyi Yang ,&nbsp;Huiqin Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2026.121142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quantum dot photocatalysts are a class of nanoscale zero-dimensional semiconductor materials, typically ranging in size from 1 to 20 nanometers. These materials possess numerous unique advantages: tunable bandgaps, multiple exciton effects, quantum confinement effects, upconversion fluorescence effects, broad-spectrum absorption capabilities, and abundant surface active sites. In this paper, we first focus on two key areas—energy conversion and environmental remediation—to provide an overview of the application of quantum dots in photocatalysis. We then summarize their controllable and precise synthesis strategies and key characterization methods. Subsequently, we systematically classify various types of quantum dot photocatalytic materials, focusing on their mechanisms of action and the intrinsic factors that enhance photocatalytic performance. Finally, we delve into the challenges that quantum dot photocatalysts still face in their practical application. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance for the design, synthesis, and reaction mechanism research of high-performance quantum dot photocatalysts, thereby driving performance breakthroughs in the field of solar energy conversion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"14 2","pages":"Article 121142"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}