A review on heterogeneous photocatalytic materials: Mechanism, perspectives, and environmental and energy sustainability applications

Nano-energetic semiconductor-based photocatalysis has attracted a lot of consideration due to its capability to use solar energy to generate solar fuels, such as hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels, and remove various contaminants. Due to quick electron-hole recombination and low light utilization, the efficiency of photocatalytic processes still needs to improve. As a result, tremendous efforts have been made to solve these issues. Owing to the electron-hole pair's separation of photo-generated, correctly constructed heterojunction photocatalysts have been found to have better photocatalytic activity. The basic principles of various photocatalysts, definitions, and classifications of photocatalysis, and the application of photo-based processes in numerous applications are all illustrated in this review. Photocatalyst types and fundamental optical/electronic properties are also discussed. Recent efforts to create heterojunction photocatalysts (highly energetic materials) for various photocatalytic applications are also discussed and evaluated. This review provides an in-depth look into photocatalysis applications, particularly those that benefit environmental processes and energy production. Finally, a brief conclusion is presented, and the future approaches in the field of nano-energetic photocatalysts.