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15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis

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A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Photocatalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 8111

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vincenzo Vaiano

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Department of Industrial Engineering, University Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo 2, 132, I-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: photocatalysis for sustainable chemistry; photocatalytic and photo-Fenton processes for pollutants removal in wastewater; catalytic combustion of sewage sludge; decomposition and oxidative decomposition of H₂S; hydrolysis of COS in the liquid phase
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Prof. Dr. Ioannis Konstantinou

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Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
Interests: photocatalysis; photolytic processes in the environment; photodegradation pathways; identification of phototransformation products
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Prof. Dr. Shujuan Zhang

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State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
Interests: photocatalysis; electron transfer; water treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of Catalysts, this Special Issue is dedicated to highlighting recent advancements in the vibrant field of photocatalysis. Over the past fifteen years, Catalysts has established itself as a leader in publishing groundbreaking research, and this milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while paving the way for future developments. Photocatalysis, a transformative technology with applications ranging from environmental cleanup to renewable energy production and synthetic chemistry, has gained increasing attention for its potential to deliver sustainable and efficient solutions to global challenges. Recent advancements in material design, reaction mechanisms, and application strategies have significantly enhanced the efficiency and adaptability of photocatalytic systems. This Special Issue invites high-quality contributions that showcase the latest breakthroughs, challenges, and future directions in photocatalysis. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following:

Design and synthesis of innovative photocatalytic materials;
Advances in photocatalytic processes for environmental remediation;
Photocatalysis in hydrogen generation and CO₂ reduction;
Mechanistic studies of photocatalytic reactions;
Hybrid and composite photocatalytic systems;
Emerging industrial and technological applications of photocatalysis;
Photocatalysts for organic synthesis.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications that provide a comprehensive overview of the field and offer valuable insights into its future trajectory. By bringing together contributions from leading researchers, this Special Issue aims to foster further innovation and collaboration in photocatalysis. We look forward to your contributions as we celebrate 15 years of Catalysts making an impact in the scientific community.

Dr. Vincenzo Vaiano
Prof. Dr. Ioannis Konstantinou
Prof. Dr. Shujuan Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

photocatalysis
sustainable chemistry
photocatalytic materials
environmental remediation
renewable energy
hydrogen generation
CO₂ reduction
reaction mechanisms
hybrid photocatalysts
photocatalytic applications
photocatalysts for organic synthesis

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 1620 KB

Open AccessArticle

Boosted Visible-Light Photocatalysis of MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ Composites by Atmosphere-Controlled Mo Species Evolution

by Yunze Jin, Xiangrui Liu and Guojian Jiang

Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050395 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 103

Abstract

To improve the visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation efficiency of g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts toward organic pollutants, a MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ composite precursor was employed in this work, and the phase composition and defect environment of Mo species were regulated by post-annealing under air and N₂ atmospheres, respectively, thereby constructing Mo-based/g-C₃N₄ (MCN) composites with distinct structural evolution characteristics. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the as-sonicated MCN composite toward methylene blue (MB) was only moderately improved, among which the 15% loading sample exhibited the best performance with a degradation efficiency of about 42.0% within 60 min. In contrast, annealing at 400 °C under N₂ resulted in only a slight activity change, whereas the sample treated at 400 °C in air (Air-15% MCN) achieved an MB degradation efficiency of 99.9% within 60 min, together with a much higher pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant than that of the air-treated sample at a lower temperature. XRD, FT-IR and XPS analyses revealed that air annealing induced the conversion of MoS₂ into highly crystalline MoO₃ (or MoO₃₋_x), leading to the formation of a reconstructed MoO₃₋_x/g-C₃N₄ composite interface. Meanwhile, the increased high-binding-energy component in the O 1s spectrum and the EPR signal around g ≈ 2.00 further suggested the presence of more abundant defect-related centers in the air-treated sample. Although Air-15% MCN possessed a lower specific surface area than the untreated and N₂-treated samples, it displayed enhanced visible-light absorption, higher transient photocurrent response, lower interfacial charge-transfer resistance, and accelerated carrier dynamics, indicating that the activity enhancement mainly originated from atmosphere-induced phase transformation, interfacial reconstruction, defect-related active centers, and improved charge separation/transfer, rather than from the surface area effect. Based on the above results, a possible interfacial charge-transfer pathway is tentatively proposed for the g-C₃N₄/MoO₃₋_x interface formed after air treatment, which contributes to the efficient utilization of photogenerated carriers and the rapid degradation of MB. This work demonstrates that atmosphere-induced phase transformation is a simple and effective strategy for regulating the structure and photocatalytic performance of Mo-based/g-C₃N₄ composites, and provides useful guidance for the design of efficient visible-light photocatalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

11 pages, 4670 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring the Band Gap of ZIF-8 via Cobalt Doping for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalysis and Hydrogen Evolution

by Ahmed Eldarder Taha, Mohamed El-Gaby, Abu Bakr A. A. M. El-Adasy, Hussain Almohiy, Mohamed Saad, Yasser A. M. Ismail and Abdelaziz M. Aboraia

Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020176 - 10 Feb 2026

Viewed by 801

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8), are promising photocatalysts; however, their practical application is limited by a wide band gap (~3.85 eV), which restricts light absorption mainly to the ultraviolet region. This limitation was addressed by synthesizing a series of cobalt-doped ZIF-8 materials, Co(x)ZIF-8 (x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%), using a cost-effective aqueous synthesis route. Structural and compositional analyses using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the formation of phase-pure ZIF-8 topology, with no significant change in nanoparticle morphology upon the partial substitution of Zn²⁺ by Co²⁺ ions within the framework. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance and Tauc plot analysis revealed a systematic and substantial reduction in the optical band gap (Eg) with increasing Co content, indicating enhanced visible-light absorption capability. All Co(x)ZIF-8 samples exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to pristine ZIF-8 under light irradiation. Among them, Co(2.5)ZIF-8 displayed the highest apparent reaction rate constant for pollutant degradation, while Co(5)ZIF-8 achieved the highest overall degradation efficiency (~87%) after 40 min. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of band-gap narrowing and the presence of Co²⁺ ions, which act as effective charge-trapping centers and suppress electron–hole recombination. Electrochemical measurements further demonstrated that Co(5)ZIF-8 exhibits the highest current density (most negative J) at large negative potentials (e.g., J ≈ −0.105 A cm⁻² at E = −2.0 V), indicating superior intrinsic catalytic activity. These findings highlight cobalt-doped ZIF-8 as a highly tunable and efficient photocatalyst with strong potential for environmental remediation applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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22 pages, 1796 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin Under Natural Sunlight Using a Waste-Derived Carbon Dots–TiO₂ Nanocomposite

by Ricardo M. S. Sendão, Ana T. S. C. Brandão, Carlos M. Pereira, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva and Luís Pinto da Silva

Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020142 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 754

Abstract

The presence of emerging organic contaminants in water and effluents, including antibiotics, poses significant environmental and health risks. Moreover, while photocatalysis is a promising approach for their removal, the inefficient utilization of natural sunlight by common photocatalysts limits its large-scale use. This work demonstrates the enhanced sunlight-driven photodegradation of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (CIP) using a nanocomposite composed of carbon dots (CDs) and TiO₂ (NC_50:50). The CDs were obtained from corn stover, a major agricultural waste product. Initial testing was performed under artificial solar radiation: CIP was virtually fully degraded within 20 min, with a rate constant of 0.2372 min⁻¹ and a 217% enhancement of catalytic activity over commercial TiO₂. Validation under real-world irradiation conditions was subsequently made by performing photocatalytic assays under natural sunlight on different days under diverse meteorological conditions. The performance of NC_50:50 was retained, degrading CIP within 30 min under natural conditions. Notably, while degradation by-products were identified under both artificial and natural sunlight, they were subsequently photodegraded by the nanocomposite under these conditions. This enhanced performance was attributed to a combination of effects resulting from CDs’ incorporation, namely, improved absorption of visible light, enhanced charge separation, and increased specific surface area. Furthermore, the addition of CDs resulted in changes in the reactive species generation profile, which can alter the available degradation pathways. Thus, this study provides insight that can be useful for strategies aimed at the rational design of sunlight-active TiO₂-based photocatalysts with tunable surface reactivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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14 pages, 2158 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Photocatalytic Degradation of Ant Trail Pheromones by P25 TiO₂

by Kata Saszet, Eszter Mátyás, Eszter Enikő Almási, Laura Vivien Lakatos, Zsolt Czekes, Zsolt Pap and Lucian Baia

Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111040 - 2 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1042

Abstract

Titanium dioxide nanostructures are extensively produced and utilized in various industries. Concerns have been raised about this material’s less researched environmental impact. This study investigates the indirect toxicity of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on ant communication via the photocatalytic degradation of ant trail pheromones. Foraging experiments with Lasius niger demonstrated that TiO₂-treated pathways were avoided by ants, suggesting trail pheromone degradation. Photocatalytic tests confirmed the degradation of the pheromone component (R)-(-)-mellein under UV-A irradiation in the presence of Evonik Aeroxide P25 TiO₂. The nanosized titania was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). These findings indicate that TiO₂ NPs can disrupt ant communication, potentially leading to significant ecological consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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20 pages, 3176 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Photocatalytic Mineralization of Emerging Organic Contaminants Using Real and Simulated Effluents in Batch and Membrane Photoreactors

by Cristina Lavorato, Angela Severino, Pietro Argurio, Raffaele Molinari, Beatrice Russo, Alberto Figoli and Teresa Poerio

Catalysts 2025, 15(9), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15090904 - 18 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1434

Abstract

Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have limited efficiency in removing emerging pollutants (EPs), meaning these pollutants persist and lead to widespread ecological contamination. In this study, real effluents from a WWTP were characterized using TOC and Py-GC/MS, which indicated the presence of various organic compounds that could be indicative of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) or plastics additives. To address this challenge, we propose the use of a photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR) as an advanced treatment system capable of achieving high degradation efficiency under mild operating conditions. Preliminary experimental tests were conducted using various commercial photocatalysts (TiO₂, WO₃, Nb₂O₅), four UV lamps, and oxidants (air, O₂) using added Gemfibrozil (GEM) as a drug model compound. Real effluent samples collected from WWTP were tested with and without pretreatment to remove coarse particles prior to photocatalysis. Mineralization was achieved in both cases, but it occurred at a higher rate for the pretreated effluent. The mineralization of GEM and EPs in real effluent was achieved within five hours under UV irradiation using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a low-cost photocatalyst in a PMR. The results highlight the potential of photocatalytic systems, and particularly PMRs, as a promising technology for removing recalcitrant pollutants in real effluents offering a viable solution for improved environmental protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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18 pages, 946 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dual-Function Bare Copper Oxide (Photo)Catalysts for Selective Phenol Production via Benzene Hydroxylation and Low-Temperature Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid

by Antonietta Mancuso, Matteo Diglio, Salvatore Impemba, Vincenzo Venditto, Vincenzo Vaiano, Antonio Buonerba and Olga Sacco

Catalysts 2025, 15(9), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15090866 - 9 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1540

Abstract

In this work, bare copper oxide-based catalysts were synthesized and evaluated for their dual (photo)catalytic activity in two model reactions: hydrogen generation via formic acid decomposition (FAD) and the photocatalytic hydroxylation of benzene to phenol. Catalysts were prepared from copper nitrate and copper acetate precursors and calcined for either 10 min or 2 h. Their structural and surface properties were characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), Raman spectroscopy, and BET surface area analysis. FAD was conducted under mild thermal conditions and monitored via ¹H NMR spectroscopy. At the same time, benzene hydroxylation was performed under UV irradiation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All synthesized catalysts outperformed commercial CuO in the selective oxidation of benzene. The nitrate-derived sample calcined for 10 min (NCuO 10 min) achieved the best performance, with a phenol yield of ~10% and a selectivity of up to 19%, attributed to improved surface properties and the presence of Cu(I) domains, as indicated by Raman spectroscopy. For FAD, complete conversion of formic acid was achieved at low temperatures, with selective H₂ and CO₂ evolution and complete suppression of CO, even under short reaction times and low catalyst loadings. These results demonstrate the potential of nitrate-derived CuO catalysts as versatile, dual-function materials for sustainable applications in selective aromatic oxidation and low-temperature hydrogen generation, without the need for noble metals or harsh conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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Review

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28 pages, 2011 KB

Open AccessReview

Comprehensive Review on Titanium-Based Perovskite Nanoparticles and Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Contaminants

by Harry Lik Hock Lau, Nur Amirah S. Yussof, Nur Diana Bazilah Awang Idris, Rusydi R. Sofian, Syahirah Nabilah Aedy Aewandy, Nur Aisyah Abdul Munir, Nur Nabaahah Roslan, Eny Kusrini, Muhammad Nur and Anwar Usman

Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050412 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026

Abstract

Titanium-based perovskites have garnered significant attention for photocatalytic applications, particularly in the field of environmental remediation through the degradation of synthetic dyes and pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions. This review paper aims to explore the synthesis methods, crystal structures, photoactivity, and photocatalytic performance of titanium-based perovskites in degrading synthetic dye and pharmaceutical effluents in water. The unique advantages of titanium-based perovskites as photocatalysts, associated with their high redox potentials and excellent optical and electrical properties, are highlighted. Their limitations in visible light absorption and photocatalytic efficiency due to rapid charge carrier recombination are also discussed. Several strategies to overcome these limitations, such as surface modifications of the photocatalysts, metal and non-metal doping, the introduction of structure defects, the formation of heterojunctions with electron-accepting materials, and the deposition of plasmonic metal nanoparticles are systematically examined. This review also provides an overview of the photocatalytic degradation of dyes and pharmaceuticals as emerging contaminants, utilizing titanium-based perovskites as photocatalysts, to highlight their efficiency and potential for real-word applications. By covering research findings, current knowledge, and future perspectives, this review aims to stimulate advancements in the design and application of titanium-based perovskite photocatalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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24 pages, 6192 KB

Open AccessReview

Metalloporphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks: Design, Construction, and Photocatalytic Applications

by Rui Liu, Yuting Jia, Yongqing Xia and Shengjie Wang

Catalysts 2026, 16(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16010076 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

Metalloporphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks (MPor-COFs) are emerging porous crystalline materials that combine the optoelectronic properties of metalloporphyrins with the highly ordered structure of COFs. Such a combination not only extends the light absorption spectrum of COFs by incorporating porphyrins but also improves the separation and transport capabilities of photo-generated electrons and holes by leveraging the structural advantages of organic frameworks. At the same time, the metal ions embedded in the porphyrin ring provide abundant active sites and optimize charge transfer channels, showing particular advantages in photocatalysis. The molecular design, construction, and photocatalytic application of MPor-COFs were reviewed in this paper. The intrinsic relationship among the structure, optoelectronic properties, and specific photocatalytic application received special attention. First, the role of the metal center in regulating the electronic structure and photophysical property of porphyrin monomers was introduced, as well as the impact of bond type on framework stability and charge transport efficiency. Then, the synthesis strategies for MPor-COFs were summarized. Finally, the applications of these materials in photocatalysis were critically reviewed, and their prospects and challenges in energy conversion and environmental remediation were also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Catalysts—Recent Advances in Photocatalysis)

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