Polarization-enhanced photocatalytic activity in non-centrosymmetric materials based photocatalysis

A review

authored by

Qiuhui Zhu, Ke Zhang, Danqing Li, Nan Li, Jingkun Xu, Detlef W. Bahnemann, Chuanyi Wang

Abstract

The conversion of solar energy into chemical energy through semiconductor-based photocatalysis technology is an appealing strategy towards resolving the energy crisis and environmental pollution issues. However, the practical application of photocatalysis is impeded by its limited photocatalytic efficiency due to the intrinsic nature of photocatalysts, i.e., recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. To this end, non-centrosymmetric (NCS) based photocatalytic materials including piezoelectrics, pyroelectrics, ferroelectrics and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials are attractive, which can not only convert mechanical energy and temperature fluctuation in the environment besides solar energy into secondary energy, but can also promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers due to their built-in electric field resultant polarization, thus greatly improving their photocatalytic performance. Here, we first surveyed the recent advances in of NCS-based photocatalytic materials. Further, the correlation of their polarization-related physical properties with their photocatalytic activities and the strategies towards improving polarization of NCS materials were systematically summarized and highlighted, aiming to clarify the correlation of the improvement of polarization with the enhanced photocatalytic performance. Subsequently, the photocatalytic mechanism and multiple applications of photocatalysis in environmental remediation and energy conversion based on NCS materials were presented. Meanwhile, we discussed the remaining challenges for NCS materials and strategies for enhancing their photocatalytic efficiency. Finally, the development trend and future perspectives of NCS photocatalytic materials in environmental chemical engineering is presented.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Technical Chemistry

External Organisation(s)

Shaanxi University of Science and Technology
Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University
Saint Petersburg State University

Type

Review article

Journal

Chemical Engineering Journal

Volume

426

ISSN

1385-8947

Publication date

15.12.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Chemistry(all), Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering(all), Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131681 (Access: Closed)