Defect engineering in photocatalytic materials

• Published in: Nano energy Vol. 53; pp. 296 - 336
• Main Authors: Bai, Song, Zhang, Ning, Gao, Chao, Xiong, Yujie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2018
• Subjects: Charge transfer and separation; Defect; Light absorption; Photocatalysis; Surface reaction; Defect; Surface reaction; Light absorption; Photocatalysis; Charge transfer and separation
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2018.08.058

Defect engineering in photocatalytic materials has been proven as a versatile approach to maneuver their performance in solar-to-chemical energy conversion. In this article, the state-of-the-art progress on the defect-engineered photocatalytic materials is reviewed. We first give the critical classifications for defects in photocatalysts. Then various strategies for fabricating defects in photocatalytic materials are summarized together with their characterization techniques. As a focus, the promotion of three basic steps in photocatalysis, including light absorption, charge transfer and separation, and surface catalytic reaction by defect engineering is discussed in detail. Moreover, some other important functions of defects in photocatalysis are introduced in the article, followed by the discussion on some recent advancements of defective photocatalytic materials in energy-related applications. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges regarding defect engineering in photocatalysis are presented to highlight the development directions of this research field.
Defect engineering in photocatalytic materials has been proven as a versatile approach to maneuver their performance in solar-to-chemical energy conversion. This article reviews the state-of-the-art progress on the defect-engineered photocatalytic materials with fundamental mechanisms. [Display omitted]
•The overall picture for the defect engineering in photocatalytic materials is given in this article.•The effects of defects on the three steps that constitute the basic photocatalytic process are emphasized.•The existing challenges and future research directions are suggested in this article.