Review of roles for photonic crystals in solar fuels photocatalysis

Abstract

Abstract. We cover the intersection of nanophotonics, materials such as photonic crystals (PC), but also irregular templated light scattering interfaces, with their application to solar fuels photocatalysis. We describe the fundamental principles of adapting nanophotonics to photocatalysis, particularly slow photon effects and how appropriate choice of stop band and edge position of the PC can be exploited for light harvesting. We also review several representative examples of nanophotonic design applied to photocatalytic semiconductor materials. We include the most heavily investigated photocatalytic materials (such as TiO 2 ), as well as inherently visible light active semiconductors, and materials sensitized with semiconductor nanocrystals or plasmonic metal nanoparticles. Finally, we review alternative scattering interfaces useful for improving the performance of solar fuels photocatalysis.

Review of Experimental Setups for Plasmonic Photocatalytic Reactions

“…Photoelectrochemical techniques remain a powerful and direct tool for examining plasmonic enhancement in photocatalytic reactions [20]. Various types of metallic samples, such as nanoparticles [39,86,87], dendritic nanoforests [88][89][90], and photonic crystal [7,91], are used for examining plasmonic photocatalytic electrochemical reactions. The energy levels of reactive intermediates can be determining by monitoring overpotentials [92].…”

“…Composite nanoparticles of photocatalysts and higher plasmonic response metals of various sizes [173] and shapes (e.g., nanospheres [37,174], stars [37], and rods [174]) are recommended for advanced photocatalytic reactions. Array structures can be fabricated on a substrate to achieve high light absorption efficiency [7,91,111,175] to enhance light energy use in plasmonics. Adapting nanophotonics to photocatalysis introduces particularly slow photon effects and a strong light absorption and extinction band that enhances light harvesting [7].…”

“…Array structures can be fabricated on a substrate to achieve high light absorption efficiency [7,91,111,175] to enhance light energy use in plasmonics. Adapting nanophotonics to photocatalysis introduces particularly slow photon effects and a strong light absorption and extinction band that enhances light harvesting [7]. Li et al [91] fabricated TiO 2 nanorods selectively planted inside an Au nanohole array to enhance light capture and energy transfer to the plasmonic photocatalytic reaction through plasmon-induced resonant energy transfer.…”

“…Researchers developing plasmonics perceived a possible breakthrough in plasmonic photocatalytic reactions after the work presented by Awazu et al [3]. Several studies and reviews related to plasmonic photocatalytic reactions have been published, particularly in the past 3 years [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

Synergistic Effect of Cu2O and Urea as Modifiers of TiO2 for Enhanced Visible Light Activity

“…Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 , titania) is widely recognized as an efficient, stable, and green photocatalytic material (long term stability, chemical inertness and corrosion resistance). Therefore, its application potential in photocatalysis is still growing and presently focuses on emergency areas, such as environmental remediation (water treatment and air purification), renewable energy processes (i.e., photocurrent generation, water splitting for hydrogen production, conversion of CO 2 to hydrocarbons) and self-cleaning surfaces [1][2][3][4][5]. However, the application of titania is still limited to regions with a high intensity of solar radiation due to its wide bandgap (ca.…”