Defective Photocatalytic Materials for Desalination: Synthesis Strategies, Types of Defects, and Mechanisms

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and desalination has emerged as a critical technology to address this challenge. Photocatalytic desalination, utilizing the power of light and semiconductor materials, has garnered significant attention due to its potential for sustainable and energy-efficient purification of saltwater. However, the performance of photocatalysts in desalination processes is often limited by several factors, including low selectivity, photocorrosion, and limited efficiency. This chapter focuses on the utilization of defective photocatalytic materials for enhancing desalination processes. Defect engineering, through deliberate manipulation of defects in semiconductor materials, provides an effective strategy to tailor the photocatalytic properties for improved desalination performance. Challenges and opportunities associated with defect engineering for photocatalytic desalination are also addressed, including aspects like material selection, optimization strategies, and scale-up potential. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working in the field of water purification and desalination.