Recent advancements, modification strategies, and practical implications in semiconductor photocatalysts for efficient wastewater treatment: A review

Energy-efficient semiconductor photocatalysis efficiently degrades contaminants and transforms them into eco-friendly substances. The attractive properties make this approach a potential wastewater treatment alternative. Although promising, the semiconductor materials possess limitations. This study examines fundamentals of photocatalysis, potential semiconductor materials, bibliometric background (2007-2025), sophisticated modification techniques, practical application, and future research trends in the field, differentiating it from conventional studies. This study investigates the efficacy and mechanisms of LDHs, piezo-photocatalysts, g-C3N4, TiO2, perovskite, ZnO, and MOFs. Modification techniques include bandgap engineering, heterojunction formation, synergetic-assisted surface plasmon-resonance, defect manipulation, and co-catalyst combination. Cutting-edge approaches improve innovative light-driven composite materials to address existing challenges. The extensive research shows how structural and electrical adjustments affect semiconductor photocatalysts’ performance, such as active and broad-efficient light absorption, charge separation dynamics, and contaminant degradation kinetics. The present research addresses complex structure-activity correlations to facilitate the transition of laboratory discoveries to an industrial scale. For multi-mechanistic photocatalysis, we examine sustainable synthesis, interface engineering, and integrated renewable-energy-driven photoreactors. The study aims to analyze materials and link theoretical advances with experimental validation and practical relevance. Further investigation into enhanced photoactivity and its practical applications is recommended. In a flexible, carbon-free economy, semiconductor photocatalysis is essential for AOPs and wastewater treatment.