A review of photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation highlights the widespread use of TiO₂-based materials in air cleaning and water purification, with about 75% of recent studies focusing on them. However, efforts are underway to find alternative photocatalysts, including nanoassembled TiO₂ and composites with carbon, graphite, and fullerene. The review discusses binary, ternary, and quaternary compounds, emphasizing their effectiveness in degrading pollutants. Despite their potential, many photocatalysts do not achieve complete mineralization of pollutants, unlike TiO₂. The review also explores modified and nanoassembled TiO₂, binary oxides like ZnO, Cu₂O, WO₃, and others, ternary oxides such as Bi₂WO₆, and quaternary compounds. It highlights the importance of enhancing photoefficiency through doping, sensitization, and structural modifications. The review concludes that while TiO₂ remains a key material, alternatives like N-doped TiO₂, carbon composites, and other binary compounds show promise for visible light-driven photocatalytic applications. The study emphasizes the need for further research to improve photocatalytic efficiency, stability, and reusability, particularly in aqueous and gas-solid systems.A review of photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation highlights the widespread use of TiO₂-based materials in air cleaning and water purification, with about 75% of recent studies focusing on them. However, efforts are underway to find alternative photocatalysts, including nanoassembled TiO₂ and composites with carbon, graphite, and fullerene. The review discusses binary, ternary, and quaternary compounds, emphasizing their effectiveness in degrading pollutants. Despite their potential, many photocatalysts do not achieve complete mineralization of pollutants, unlike TiO₂. The review also explores modified and nanoassembled TiO₂, binary oxides like ZnO, Cu₂O, WO₃, and others, ternary oxides such as Bi₂WO₆, and quaternary compounds. It highlights the importance of enhancing photoefficiency through doping, sensitization, and structural modifications. The review concludes that while TiO₂ remains a key material, alternatives like N-doped TiO₂, carbon composites, and other binary compounds show promise for visible light-driven photocatalytic applications. The study emphasizes the need for further research to improve photocatalytic efficiency, stability, and reusability, particularly in aqueous and gas-solid systems.