A review on the design and development of photocatalyst synthesis and application in microfluidic reactors: challenges and opportunities

Abstract Microfluidics is an emerging branch of science that has significant applications in various fields. In this review paper, after a brief introduction to the concept of photocatalysis, nanoparticle preparation methods and film formation techniques have been studied. Nanoparticle synthesis in microfluidic systems and microreactor types for on-chip photocatalyst synthesis and challenges of nanoparticles handling in microsystems have been reviewed. To resolve particle polydispersity and microchannel clogging, a good suggestion can be the use of droplet-based microreactors. The configurative designs for the microfluidic reactor with immobilized photocatalysts, their applications, and their challenges have been comprehensively addressed. The three main challenges ahead the immobilized photocatalytic microfluidic reactors are optimal light distribution, prevention of the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, and improved mass transfer. Internal light-emitting diodes with a waveguide can resolve the number one challenge of photocatalysis application in optofluidic reactors, that is, light distribution.