Semiconductor eco-materials for water treatment

Abstract

In the current chapter two semiconductor materials are being assessed as ecomaterials of choice for key applications in the water business. Ultraviolet lightemitting diodes, UV-LEDs, based on III-Nitride ultraviolet emitters like GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN and semiconductor oxides like TiO2, ZnO, or WO3 can be used as eco-materials for disinfection and pollutant removal in water, respectively. Looking through the fabrication process, functional life span, as well as their final disposal and recycling, those materials contribute substantially to the reduction of the environmental burden through their whole life cycle. Future trends and development directions as well as their impact on new water market niches, via replacement of old and less environmentally friendly technologies, are suggested and discussed.