Cutting-Edge Developments in Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics
A special issue of Surfaces (ISSN 2571-9637).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 1163
Special Issue Editors
Interests: develop new characterization techniques to track the charge carrier dynamics in energy-conversion materials such as photovoltaic and photocatalytic semiconductors; rational design of photocatalytic materials with high energy conversion efficiency
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; semiconductor-based photocatalysts; hydrogen production; H2O2 synthesis; pollutant degradation; nanostructured catalytic materials
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
We are honored to serve as the Guest Editor for this Special Issue of Surfaces, entitled “The Cutting-Edge Developments in Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics”. As we know, photocatalysis and photovoltaics are two pivotal areas of research driving advancements in sustainable energy technologies. Photocatalysis, with its potential for solar-driven water splitting, environmental remediation, and CO₂ reduction, continues to offer promising solutions for global energy and environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the rapid development of photovoltaic technologies, including next-generation materials such as perovskite solar cells, is revolutionizing the way we harness solar energy with higher efficiency and scalability. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest research trends, innovative material designs, performance enhancement strategies, and fundamental mechanisms in these two interrelated fields.
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Surfaces; we are seeking manuscripts related to, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Interface engineering and defect modulation for enhanced photocatalysis;
- Design and synthesis of advanced photocatalytic materials for water splitting, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, etc.;
- Advances in perovskite and organic photovoltaic technologies to improve efficiency and stability;
- Interface engineering strategies and stability enhancement in photovoltaic devices;
- Innovative photovoltaic architectures and fabrication techniques;
- Comprehensive study of photoexcited carrier dynamics, i.e., charge distribution, lifetimes, and transport mechanisms in photoactivities.
The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent advancements and emerging trends in the fields of photocatalysis and photovoltaics, two critical areas driving innovation in sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications. This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for researchers to present novel materials, advanced fabrication techniques, and fundamental insights into the mechanisms that govern these processes. By addressing current challenges and exploring new opportunities, the Special Issue aims to foster collaboration and inspire future research directions in these interdisciplinary fields.
In this Special Issue, original research articles, review articles, and mini reviews are encouraged. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Characterization techniques with resolution down to the atomic and sub-atomic levels;
- Understanding the mechanisms by surface modification and defect engineering in photocatalytic and photovoltaic processes;
- Synergistic approaches in light harvesting and energy utilization;
- Tandem solar cells and hybrid photovoltaic systems;
- Hybrid solar-to-fuel and solar-to-electricity systems.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Jianfeng Zhao
Dr. Zhiping Yan
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. Surfaces is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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
- charge carrier dynamics
- defect engineering
- surface modification
- spatiotemporal imaging
- deep and shallow defects
- synergistic approach
- flexible solar devices
- nanostructured catalysts
- photocatalysis
- perovskite solar cells
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