State-of-the-Art Photocatalytic Materials
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Photochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 19
Special Issue Editor
Interests: photocatalytic degradation; CO2 reduction; photocatalytic hydrogen production; antibacterial; material design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Photocatalysis is a promising technology that leverages light to drive chemical reactions, offering solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges, such as CO2 reduction, hydrogen production, and the degradation of pollutants.
1. Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction: Toward Carbon Neutrality
The conversion of CO2 into value-added fuels (e.g., methane, methanol, or formic acid) using solar energy represents a dual solution for mitigating climate change and storing renewable energy. Contributions in this Special Issue highlight novel strategies to enhance selectivity and efficiency, including the engineering of S-scheme heterojunctions, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and single-atom catalysts. Challenges such as charge recombination and low visible-light utilization are addressed through bandgap engineering and cocatalyst modification.
2. Hydrogen Production: Bridging Solar Energy and Clean Fuel
Solar-driven water splitting remains a cornerstone of green hydrogen economies. Recent advances in non-precious metal catalysts (e.g., transition metal sulfides, carbon nitrides) and emerging materials like covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are discussed. Studies emphasize the role of defect engineering and interfacial charge dynamics in optimizing H2 evolution rates, while addressing scalability and long-term stability under real-world conditions.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis: A Solar-Powered Green Oxidant
Direct H2O2 production via the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) offers a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive industrial methods. This Special Issue explores two-electron pathway photocatalysts (e.g., TiO2 modified with anthraquinone groups, Bi-based semiconductors) and their synergy with surface functionalization to suppress undesirable H2O2 decomposition. Applications in decentralized chemical synthesis and water treatment are highlighted.
4. Pollutant Degradation: Safeguarding Ecosystems
The photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, dyes, and microplastics) is critical for water and air purification. Research focuses on visible-light-active materials, such as S-doped TiO2 and plasmonic nanoparticles, alongside mechanistic studies on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Practical considerations, including catalyst recyclability and treatment efficiency in complex matrices, are thoroughly evaluated.
Through a series of thought-provoking contributions, this Special Issue sheds light on the current state and future prospects of photocatalysis, positioning it as a key technology for advancing clean energy solutions and promoting a sustainable environment. The integration of novel materials, reaction engineering, and interdisciplinary approaches will be pivotal in realizing the full potential of photocatalysis in tackling global challenges.
Dr. Kai Yang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- CO2 reduction
- photocatalysis
- hydrogen production
- hydrogen peroxide production
- pollutant degradation
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