Review on the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of patulin by functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanomaterials and hydrogels

Abstract

The efficient removal of patulin (PAT) contamination in food is an important challenge in the field of food safety, and the traditional single adsorption or photocatalytic techniques have bottlenecks such as low efficiency and difficult regeneration. The integration of adsorption–photocatalytic degradation by utilizing the synergistic effect of functionalized graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanomaterials and hydrogels has proved to be a highly promising solution. However, how to construct a bifunctional material system with both high adsorption capacity and long-lasting photocatalytic activity is still a current research challenge. In this paper, we systematically review the recent progress of g-C₃N₄-based nanocomposites and hydrogel materials and their recent advances for enhancing the removal efficiency of PAT. This review provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for the development of “adsorption–degradation” smart material systems.