Recent development and future prospects of TiO2 photocatalysis

Photocatalysis is a process of clean technology where solar energy is converted into useful chemical reactions. There are confronted challenges and limitations when claiming the most efficient TiO2 photocatalytic activity. Scientists tend to break through the barriers of TiO2 photocatalysis by implementing different modification strategies for pure TiO2 in order to eliminate the encountered limitations and thereby enhance the efficiency for further development of photocatalytic applications. Charge carrier recombination is one of the major limitations in the photocatalytic process. Doping incorporated with metals and nonmetals owns the capacity to subdue the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes by ensuring charge carrier separation. At the same time, this could enhance the capturing of photoenergy by narrowing the band gap of TiO2. Dye sensitization is another branch of possible modification of TiO2 photocatalysis that is implemented in solar electricity generation, photocatalytic water splitting, and pollutant degradation. It assists in reduction of transparency in the visible range and obtaining a longer electron lifetime by efficient charge separation. Attention is given to the application of TiO2 photocatalysis based on environmental decontamination, biocidal applications, and energy-based applications. Hence, TiO2 photocatalysis plays a crucial role in reaching higher technological development while maintaining a balance with environmental sustainability.

Automated summary

Photocatalysis is a clean technology process converting solar energy to useful reactions, but efficiency of TiO2 is limited. Scientists aim to enhance efficiency by implementing various modification strategies to overcome barriers and limitations in TiO2 photocatalysis.