Photocatalysis has been touted as one of the most promising ways to remedy water. However despite its 80 year old legacy, its industrial use has been very limited. Also technologies based on photocatalysis have not gained any popularity in the developing world, despite significant related academic activity in these parts of the world. Here we identify issues that have prevented the translation of this technology, especially in the context of the developing world.

We present our paradigm for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach for improving the industrial viability of photocatalytic water treatment (especially in the developing world). Combining soft and green chemical principles seems essential for making these technologies economically feasible and socially relevant. In this paper, we talk about various design factors that go into comprehensive water remediation. Issues such as nanotoxicity, chemical yield, cost, and ease of deployment in reactors are important, while designing new photocatalysts. Several issues are presented using examples from literature. Some promising technology directions are hence identified.

ref: "Combining 'chimie douce' and green principles for the developing world: improving industrial viability of photocatalytic water remediation", Tiju Thomas and Nagaraju Kottam, Chemical Engineering Science (2013) (Letter to the Editor)

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