Recent development and future prospects of TiO2photocatalysis

Abstract

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 TiO 2 photocatalytic activity. Scientists tend to break through the barriers of TiO 2 photocatalysis by implementing different modification strategies for pure TiO 2 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 TiO 2. Dye sensitization is another branch of possible modification of TiO 2 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 TiO 2 photocatalysis based on environmental decontamination, biocidal applications, and energy‐based applications. Hence, TiO 2 photocatalysis plays a crucial role in reaching higher technological development while maintaining a balance with environmental sustainability.