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The mismanagement of plastics is associated with high levels of waste and release into the environment, where they can persist for long times due to the low degradation rate. Photocatalytic methods, based on the action of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated by semiconductor materials, are promising eco-friendly and low-cost process for the plastics degradation. Here, eco-designed Humic Acids-doped/ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via solvothermal route and tested as photocatalysts for the degradation of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) thin films, under UVA/light irradiation. LLDPE is one of the most common commercial polymers widely used in packaging field wherein PLA is also broadly used to replace conventional plastics. The combination of analytical techniques allowed to define the structure-property-function relationships of the hybrid nanomaterials and to monitor the chemical, structural and morphological changes occurring on the polymeric films as a consequence of the photodegradation. Experimental results demonstrated the validity of this eco-sustainable approach to realize hybrid photocatalysts with enhanced ROS-generating ability suitable for an improved photo-oxidation of plastics in aqueous environment. [Display omitted] • A bottom-up solvothermal synthesis leads to humic acid-doped ZnO nanoparticles. • The supramolecular design of nanohybrids valorizes the biowaste-derived molecules. • An improved ROS-generating ability occurs in aqueous medium under UVA irradiation. • Humic acid-doped ZnO nanoparticles enhance the photo-oxidation of LLDPE and PLA films. • Photodegradation results in deep furrows on the surface of plastic films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Copper indium sulfide QDs are emerging as versatile visible-light photocatalysts. • Different synthesis methods determine the properties and performances. • Modification strategies such as heterojunction formation improve the activity. • Excellent results in photocatalytic degradation, H 2 production and CO 2 reduction. • Promising prospects for future development and wider applications. Since the advent of photocatalytic technology, scientists have been searching for semiconductor materials with high efficiency in solar energy utilization and conversion to chemical energy. Recently, the development of quantum dot (QD) photocatalysts has attracted much attention because of their unique characteristics: small size, quantum effects, strong surface activity, and wide photoresponse range. Among ternary chalcogenide semiconductors, CuInS 2 QDs are increasingly examined in the field of photocatalysis due to their high absorption coefficients, good matching of the absorption range with sunlight spectrum, long lifetimes of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and environmental sustainability. In this review paper, the structural and electronic properties, synthesis methods and various photocatalytic applications of CuInS 2 QDs are systematically expounded. The current research status on the photocatalytic properties of materials based on CuInS 2 QD is discussed combined with the existing modification approaches for the enhancement of their performances. Future challenges and new development opportunities of CuInS 2 QDs in the field of photocatalysis are then prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the accumulation of plastic in the environment, microplastics have become part of the food chain, boosting the resistance of fungi and bacteria which can frequently encounter human beings. Employing photocatalytic degradation is a possible route towards the removal of chemical and biological pollutants, such as plastics and microplastic wastes as well as microorganisms. Using biowaste materials to design hybrid nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial features would uphold the principles of the circular bioeconomy. Here, two unexpensive semiconductors-namely titanium dioxide (TiO 2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) - were synthetized through solvothermal synthesis and combined with humic substances deriving from agrifood biomass. The preparation led to hybrid nanoparticles exhibiting enhanced ROS-generating properties for simultaneous applications as antimicrobial agents against different bacterial and fungal strains and as photoactive catalysts to degrade polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics under UVA and solar irradiation. In comparison to bare nanoparticles, hybrid nanoparticles demonstrated higher antibacterial and antimycotic capabilities toward various pathogenic microorganisms as well as advanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of PLA with a carbonyl index reduction in the range of 15–23%, thus confirming a noteworthy ability in microplastics photodegradation under UVA and solar irradiation. The study promotes a sustainable approach by valorizing biowaste to produce photoactive hybrid nanoparticles to remove hazardous pathogens and microplastics. [Display omitted] • A bottom-up solvothermal synthesis leads to hybrid humic substance/MeOx NPs. • Compost-derived molecules are valorized into novel multifunctional nanomaterials. • Humic substances exerted a different behavior in interacting with metal cations. • An improved antimicrobial-antimycotic ability occurs even under light irradiation. • Humic substance/MeOx NPs improve PLA microplastics photo-oxidation under UV/solar light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]