Photocatalytic Decomposition of Caffeine under Simulated Solar Radiation and the Presence of Metallic Nanoparticles

Caffeine with its psychoactive properties is not only a common ingredient of numerous beverages, but also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) (Marques et al., 2013). Hence, the substance is uncontrollably discharged into sewage systems and wastewater treatment facilities, but bypasses the treatment operations due to its high solubility (21.7 g/L) and persistence.