Potential Methods and Perspectives of Solar Energy Conversion via Photocatalytic Processes

Synthesis and solar light catalytic properties of titania–cadmium sulfide hybrid nanostructures

“…Although the first works on selective oxidation occurring on metal oxide semiconductors under the action of solar light appeared more than 30 years ago [1,2], considerable advancement in this field took place only in the recent decade. At present, methods for selective oxidation of different organic substances, for example, cyclohexane [3], ethanol [4,5], or glycerine [6] are being actively developed.…”

Novel photocatalysts based on Cd1−Zn S/Zn(OH)2 for the hydrogen evolution from water solutions of ethanol

“…Rapid depletion of natural raw hydrocarbons (oil, gas, and coal) determines an acute need to identify and develop alternative energy sources [1,2]. The unique properties of hydrogen make it a versatile and environmentally friendly chemical energy carrier, suitable for use in all types of heat engines and power generation devices.…”

Photoinduced electron transfer across membranes

“…The first stage of the cleavage reaction involves a photoinduced charge separation, i.e. electron transfer from the excited photosensitizer, *S, to an acceptor, A: * S + A~S + + A - (1) or to a photosensitizer from a donor, D:…”

“…artificial molecular systems for lightto-chemical energy conversion via photochemical water cleavage into dihydrogen and dioxygen. Systems of this type are under development now as simplified functional analogs of plant photosynthesis that can provide an ecologically attractive route for solar-to-chemical energy conversion (see reviews [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]). …”