Photocatalytic optical fibers for degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater: a review

Photocatalytic optical fibers are promising materials for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater, owing to their low light mass transfer resistance, their high efficiency of light utilization, and their inhibition of photocatalyst deactivation. In particular, optical fibers have been applied for the removal of phenols, dyes, organic acids and antibiotics in wastewater. Yet, optical fibers have limitations such as poor photocatalytic activity and low sustainability. Here, we review the principle and use of photocatalytic optical fibers, including photocatalytic quartz and plastic optical fibers, for the degradation of the organic pollutants in water. We present methods to enhance photocatalytic activity, light utilization efficiency, and adhesion strength by using TiO2-based photocatalytic coatings.