The Role of Life Cycle Assessment in Bridging Photocatalysis Research and Industrial Applications

Photocatalysis has emerged as a promising green technology for environmental remediation, yet its transition from laboratory-scale research to industrial application remains limited. While conventional studies primarily focus on catalytic performance metrics, such as degradation efficiency and reaction rates, these do not capture the full environmental implications of material synthesis, operational use, and end-of-life management. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a standardized and comprehensive framework for evaluating environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of photocatalysts. This review highlights the importance of LCA in identifying environmental hotspots, guiding eco-design, and facilitating sustainable scale-up of photocatalytic technologies. Recent case studies demonstrate that synthesis processes, particularly for TiO₂ and modified composites, dominate environmental burdens, while the use of recycled or waste-derived precursors can significantly reduce carbon footprints. Challenges, including data gaps, variability in functional units, and limited industrial-scale data, are discussed, alongside future directions such as Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), digitalization with AI-driven predictive modeling, and the early incorporation of eco-design principles. Integrating LCA into photocatalyst research is essential to ensure that these technologies fulfill their potential as truly sustainable solutions, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial implementation.

Keywords:

Photocatalysis , Titanium dioxide , Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) , Environmental sustainability , Industrial application , Green technology