Application of perovskites towards remediation of environmental pollutants: an overview

A perovskite group of materials (ABO₃) has a wide range of applications due to their structural diversity, adaptability including exceptional physical and chemical properties. They can accommodate around 90% of metallic elements of the periodic table at positions A and/or B without destroying the matrix structure. This gives an extraordinary possibility of various combinations and scope of complete or partial substitutions of cations resulting incredible large number of compounds with enhanced properties. These materials have been extensively explored for their magnetic, optical, catalytic and electrical properties. Thermal stability and catalytic properties enable them to serve as promising candidates for the control of environmental pollution. The methods of synthesis greatly influence the catalytic properties of perovskites. They have been exploited as oxidants, reductants and photocatalysts due to their enhanced catalytic properties. In addition to catalytic uses, the role of perovskites has also been explored for sensing and adsorption of various aqueous and gas phase species. This article provides an overview including the techniques for synthesis of perovskite materials, properties favouring the catalytic activities and the environmental applications of perovskites towards remediation of various organic pollutants through adsorption and photocatalytic degradation.