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Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Systems: Similarities and Differences
Author(s) -
Wu Hao,
Tan Hui Ling,
Toe Cui Ying,
Scott Jason,
Wang Lianzhou,
Amal Rose,
Ng Yun Hau
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201904717
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , semiconductor , materials science , nanotechnology , solar energy conversion , solar energy , optoelectronics , catalysis , electrical engineering , chemistry , biochemistry , engineering
Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes are two key systems in harvesting sunlight for energy and environmental applications. As both systems are employing photoactive semiconductors as the major active component, strategies have been formulated to improve the properties of the semiconductors for better performances. However, requirements to yield excellent performances are different in these two distinctive systems. Although there are universal strategies applicable to improve the performance of photoactive semiconductors, similarities and differences exist when the semiconductors are to be used differently. Here, considerations on selected typical factors governing the performances in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical systems, even though the same type of semiconductor is used, are provided. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms in relation to their photoactivities is of fundamental importance for rational design of high‐performing photoactive materials, which may serve as a general guideline for the fabrication of good photocatalysts or photoelectrodes toward sustainable solar fuel generation.