Photocatalysis is a process where light energy, usually from sunlight or artificial sources, is used to accelerate a chemical reaction via a catalyst. Novel materials for photocatalytic energy and environmental applications are a rapidly advancing field, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and environmental remediation. More specifically, photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and water splitting to produce hydrogen and pollutants required new catalysts to maximize the process efficiency. Researchers explore various strategies to enhance the efficiency of these processes, such as developing novel materials with optimized structures, surface modifications to improve catalytic activity, and tuning the bandgap to absorb specific wavelengths of light more effectively. Novel functional materials such as Graphene and Graphene-based Materials, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Perovskites, Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), MXenes, Quantum Dots and Black Phosphorus (BP) are promising to maximize the quantum yield.

Photocatalysis holds great promise for energy and environmental applications, but several challenges must be overcome, including limited light absorption, rapid charge carrier recombination, low surface area, and stability issues. Novel materials offer solutions to these problems by enhancing photocatalytic efficiency and stability. Approaches such as doping semiconductor lattices with metal and non-metal elements can reduce charge recombination and increase light absorption. Innovative photocatalysts, including bimetallic and trimetallic semiconductors, layered double hydroxides (LDH), perovskites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), improve material recovery and recyclability. MOFs, with their highly porous structures and tunable chemistry, are excellent for CO₂ reduction, water splitting, and pollutant degradation. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) also offer high surface area, tunable pore structures, and stability for photocatalysis. MXenes, two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides, exhibit excellent electrical conductivity and hydrophilicity. Black phosphorus, with its unique electronic and optical properties, shows promise for water splitting and nitrogen fixation due to its high carrier mobility and anisotropic behavior. Additionally, photocatalytic reactor design is crucial for maximizing light energy utilization, improving quantum yield, and product selectivity. Techniques like parameter optimization are also important for advancing photocatalytic efficiency.

We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:

• Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
• Photocatalytic degradation
• Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production
• Functional nanomaterials
• Novel structured materials
• Oxides/nitrides/carbides semiconductor materials
• MOF/Perovskites/MXenes/LDH nanomaterials

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Frontiers in Chemistry

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