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REVIEW ARTICLE

Quantum dots: A promising photocatalytic nanomaterial in water environment remediation

Shuan Liu1* ,  Yuhui Yang1 ,  Qixin Pan2 ,  Yinghao Xue3 ,  Weixuan Huang4 ,  Yunqian Song5 ,  Xingpeng Wang1*
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1 Department of Environment and Engineering, College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang , China
2 Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing , China
3 Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing , China
4 Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan , Malaysia
5 Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland , Australia
AJWEP, 026240167 https://doi.org/10.36922/AJWEP026240167
Received: 10 June 2026 | Revised: 16 June 2026 | Accepted: 18 June 2026 | Published online: 28 August 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Sustainable Development of Ecology and Environment)
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Photocatalysis is a green and energy-efficient strategy to mitigate energy demand and control environmental pollution. Quantum dots (QDs) are a promising nanomaterial with excellent stability, relatively low toxicity, and superior photoelectric properties, which can significantly enhance the conversion efficiency of photocatalysts. This review introduces representative methods for preparing QDs, including hydrothermal, pyrolysis, ultrasonic, electrochemical stripping, and etching methods. The applicable conditions, strengths, and limitations of each synthetic technique are comprehensively discussed. In addition, the latest progress in QD-modifying photocatalysts for pollutant removal and hydrogen peroxide production is reviewed. Doping of QDs can optimize catalytic performance in multiple ways: broadening the visible light response range, facilitating carrier separation, accelerating electron migration, and tuning the band gap structure. Finally, we present the challenges and prospects of QD-modifying photocatalysts in the context of preparation, water environment remediation, and energy conversion. Overall, this review aims to provide novel insights into QD-modifying photocatalysts in remediating water pollution and alleviating energy crises.

Keywords
Quantum dots
Photocatalysis
Pollutant removal
Hydrogen peroxide production
Funding
The work was supported by the Project of Key Scientific and Technological Research in Key Areas of the Corps (2023AB034) and Open Research Project of the Key Laboratory of Northwest Oasis Water-Saving Agriculture (2023OWSL-01).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare they have no competing interests.
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Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, Electronic ISSN: 1875-8568 Print ISSN: 0972-9860, Published by AccScience Publishing
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