Defect Engineering of Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is a class of 2D nanomaterials, which endows auspicious properties for ameliorating the photocatalytic performance in the realm of solar‐to‐chemical production stemming from the chemical versatility of their host layers. However, pristine LDH suffers from slow charge‐carrier mobility, high rate of electron–hole recombination as well as a tendency to agglomerate, rendering them unbefitting for practical use. Due to the aforementioned bottlenecks, structural modifications such as thickness tuning, cocatalyst incorporation, semiconductor coupling, and ternary heterostructure engineering have been extensively investigated to elucidate a new lease of landscape to the burgeoning potential of LDHs toward artificial photosynthesis. This review summarizes a panorama of state‐of‐the‐art advancements related to the synthesis and modification of LDH‐based nanocomposites for enhanced physicochemical properties toward boosted photocatalysis. Particularly, their progress in versatile energy applications in photocatalytic water splitting (hydrogen and oxygen evolution), and nitrogen and carbon dioxide reduction reactions will be systematically presented. Insights into band structures, electronic properties, and charge‐carrier dynamics of LDH‐based nanostructures will be discussed to unravel the structure–performance relationship. Finally, this review will prospect the invigorating prospectives and opportunities in engineering next‐generation LDH‐based photocatalysts with augmented performances to pave new inroads at the forefront of this research.

Section: Modification Of Ldh Photocatalystsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engineering Layered Double Hydroxide–Based Photocatalysts Toward Artificial Photosynthesis: State‐of‐the‐Art Progress and Prospects

Lau

Ong

2021

“…), and reducing solvents (ethanol, methanol, etc.). [ 84 ] For instance, Li et al fabricated defective Zn 2 In 2 S 5 nanosheets via a chemical reduction process utilizing reductive ethanol solvents and achieved performance enhancement for PEC water splitting. [ 85 ] Zhang et al utilized H 2 annealing treatment to construct O v in WO 3 nanosheets.…”

Section: Strategies For Improving Pec Performance Of 2d Photoanodesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two‐Dimentional Nanostructured Metal Oxide/Sulfide–Based Photoanode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Tian

2020

The utilization of solar energy plays a vital role in relieving energy crisis and associated environmental problems. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, which can directly transform solar energy into clean hydrogen energy, is one of the most promising strategies to utilize solar energy. 2D nanostructured metal oxides/sulfides have been widely applied as photoanodes in PEC cells due to their unique configuration and features, which can efficiently improve light absorption, enlarge electrode/electrolyte contacting interfaces, and promote carrier transfer and injection. This article begins with the introduction of performance parameters, carrier dynamics measurement, and mechanism exploration techniques for photoanodes, which is followed by an overview of research progress in using 2D nanostructure metal oxides/sulfides to fabricate efficient photoanodes for PEC water splitting. Subsequently, the recent representative strategies to optimize the PEC performance of 2D metal oxides/sulfides photoanodes, including structure engineering, defect engineering, element doping, heterojunction construction, and surface modification, are summarized. Finally, the exciting advances and future research directions for designing highly efficient 2D photoanodes are provided.

“…[ 6,7 ] Thus, seeking for highly active photocatalysts with intensified solar light utilization efficiency has been a worldwide unremitting endeavor. [ 8–12 ]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Advances in Opal/Inverted Opal Photonic Crystal Photocatalysts

Chen

et al. 2021

Solar light is one of the most renewable energy resources. However, the limited light absorption range and low quantum efficiency of current semiconductors has immensely hindered the development of solar energy utilization technology and has been a matter of research priority. Opal/inverted opal photonic crystals (PCs) display a unique periodic structure, which can spontaneously enhance light–matter interactions and extend light propagation path, thus showing great potential in harvesting solar energy. The construction of opal/inverted opal photonic crystal photocatalyst (PCP) featured with attractive optical performance, which is originated from slow photons effect and multiple scatter effect, has been considered as an effective strategy to boost photocatalytic property. This review starts with the introduction of optical characteristics of PC, followed by discussion of fabrication strategies. Then, an overview of progress toward the application of PCP in photocatalytic hydrogen production, pollutant degradation, and CO2 reduction is provided as well. Finally, the challenging points and perspective are presented. It is expected that this review can provide valuable guidance for future design and synthesis of PCPs.