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Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO 2 Catalysts
Author(s) -
Jeon JongPil,
Kweon Do Hyung,
Jang Boo Jae,
Ju Myung Jong,
Baek JongBeom
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced sustainable systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.499
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 2366-7486
DOI - 10.1002/adsu.202000197
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , titanium dioxide , nanotechnology , materials science , catalysis , solar energy , band gap , charge carrier , solar fuel , chemistry , engineering , optoelectronics , biochemistry , electrical engineering , metallurgy
Abstract To address energy and environmental problems, innumerable titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )‐based photocatalysts have been reported over the last four decades. TiO 2 has attracted immense interest because it is low‐cost, abundant, and photoresponsive. Sunlight‐driven fuel production is one of the ideal photocatalytic approaches in terms of economics and the environment. However, performance issues with TiO 2 photocatalysts remain, including insufficient charge separation due to the rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, and poor utilization of light, because of the material's wide bandgap. To be economically efficient, TiO 2 photocatalysts responsive to visible light are essential. Many researchers have investigated effective modification methods for this purpose. Numerous studies have focused on enhancing photocatalytic activity by modifying TiO 2 . Methods include combining TiO 2 with noble metals, incorporating metals or nonmetals, and introducing vacancies by chemical and physical methods. In addition, many studies have also been conducted to comprehensively determine the underlying reaction mechanisms, and thus guide future research directions. This Review aims to understand the basic principles of photolysis, to summarize recent research trends, to envision future research directions, and to help the development of a new type of TiO 2 ‐based photocatalysts for enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency.