Recent advances in special morphologic photocatalysts for NOx removal

The significant increase of NOx concentration causes severe damages to environment and human health. Light-driven photocatalytic technique affords an ideal solution for the removal of NOx at ambient conditions. To enhance the performance of NOx removal, 1D, 2D and 3D photocatalysts have been constructed as the light absorption and the separation of charge carriers can be manipulated through controlling the morphology of the photocatalyst. Related works mainly focused on the construction and modification of special morphologic photocatalyst, including element doping, heterostructure constructing, crystal facet exposing, defect sites introducing and so on. Moreover, the excellent performance of the photocatalytic NOx removal creates great awareness of the application, which has promising practical applications in NOx removal by paint (removing NOx indoor and outdoor) and pavement (degrading vehicle exhausts). For these considerations, recent advances in special morphologic photocatalysts for NOx removal was summarized and commented in this review. The purpose is to provide insights into understanding the relationship between morphology and photocatalytic performance, meanwhile, to promote the application of photocatalytic technology in NOx degradation.