Oxygen-mediated surface photoreactions are an extremely versatile tool for environmental remediation, recycling of critical raw materials and sustainable production of feedstocks. This Concept reviews recent works on this class of reaction, including examples of metal and polymer recovery and recycling from waste, metal-free oxidation of organic molecules and exploitation of persistent radicals for destroying pollutants and disinfection.

Abstract

This Concept analyses and reviews recent works that take advantage of oxygen-mediated surface photoreactions for addressing key issues in the fields of sustainable chemistry, circular production of feedstocks and environmental remediation. Examples of metal and polymer recovery and recycling from waste, metal-free oxidation of organic molecules and exploitation of persistent radicals for destroying pollutants and disinfection are discussed, highlighting common aspects, peculiarities, potential and limitations.