Enhancement of photocatalytic properties of transitional metal oxides using conducting polymers: A mini review

Transition metal oxide based semiconductors hold great promise for photocatalytic applications. But critical factors such as the high rate of charge-carrier recombination and limited light absorption have restricted their commercial application. Lately, improvements have been made in their photocatalytic activity by sensitizing them with organically conducting polymers. The present review highlights the work done in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of some transition metal oxides using conducting polymers. The mechanism behind the interaction of these inorganic semiconductors with different conducting polymers upon illumination with light is discussed in detail which can help in designing these fascinating materials with superior photocatalytic response toward UV and visible light. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.