A groundbreaking study from researcher at the Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran—Mayer Simanjuntak—introduces an enhanced nano-TiO₂ photocatalyst engineered with oxygen vacancies (OV) to tackle dye-polluted wastewater. Using solvothermal synthesis at temperatures of 150 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C, the team systematically tuned the concentration of OV and crystalline structure, which was confirmed via XRD, EDS, photoluminescence (PL), and XPS analyses. Notably, the sample synthesized at 150 °C (T150) decomposed 93.43% of methylene blue dye under sunlight within three hours—surpassing the performance of commercial TiO₂ P25. This innovation stems from the introduction of mid-gap electronic states via OV engineering, reducing the TiO₂ bandgap and enhancing visible-light absorption and charge carrier separation. These improvements boost reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and drive the outstanding photocatalytic efficiency observed. The findings offer a promising, scalable pathway for high-efficiency, solar-powered wastewater treatment—especially vital for communities impacted by industrial dye discharge.

This development aligns with and advances several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) — by offering an effective technology to purify dye-laden wastewater using sunlight and abundant materials.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) — by harnessing solar energy for environmental remediation, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) — through promoting sustainable methods to treat industrial pollutants and minimize ecological harm.