Intensification of Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Reactions Without Efficiency Losses: The Importance of Surface Catalysis

Advances in LED and photoreactor technology have brought semiconductor photocatalysis to the verge of feasibility of industrial application for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. However, the often observed efficiency losses under intensified illumination conditions still present a great challenge. This perspective discusses the origin of these efficiency losses and what needs to be done to prevent or counteract it and pave the way for efficient, intensified heterogeneous photocatalytic processes. The role of surface catalysis is particularly highlighted as one of the rate-limiting steps. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Advancements in LED and photoreactor technology have made the industrial application of semiconductor photocatalysis for synthesizing value-added chemicals feasible, but efficiency losses under intensified illumination conditions continue to be a significant challenge. The perspective emphasizes the role of surface catalysis as a rate-limiting step in improving efficiency.