Solar chimney power plants for sustainable air quality management integrating photocatalysis and particulate filtration: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Urban air pollution has become a pressing challenge in recent times, demanding innovative solutions. This review delves into the potential of Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) as a sustainable approach to mitigating air pollution. The idea of mitigation of pollution may be an added advantage to the use of SCPPs in practice. Recent advancements, such as the integration of photocatalytic reactors (PCRs) for the elimination of greenhouse gases (GHGs), emphasizing the importance of addressing non-CO2 GHGs like CH4 and N2O are analyzed. The novelty of this review is that it not only focuses on the shifting and removal of particulate matter but also on the removal of greenhouse gases. Numerous case studies, ranging from filter-equipped SCPPs to Solar-Assisted Large-Scale Cleaning Systems (SALSCSs), are reviewed, providing a comprehensive understanding of their design, performance, and potential benefits. This review serves as a guide for researchers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for multifaceted approaches to address the intricate nexus of air pollution, renewable energy generation, and climate change mitigation.