Recent progress in red semiconductor photocatalysts for solar energy conversion and utilization

• Main Authors: Jiao Wei, Shen Wei, Rahman Zia Ur, Wang Daoai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 2016-02-01
• Series: Nanotechnology Reviews
• Subjects: photocatalysis; photocatalytic activities; red photocatalyst; solar energy
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1515/ntrev-2015-0052

Photocatalysis has received much attention as it is considered one of the potential solutions for solar energy conversion and counteracting environmental degradation. In order to promote the research work of the field and meet the requirements of practical applications, it is necessary to develop high efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalysts, especially the red semiconductor photocatalysts. This review aims to sum up the progress recently made in this field, concentrating on the scientific and technological possibilities offered by three kinds of red semiconductor photocatalysts for water splitting, organic contaminant decomposition, and CO2 photoreduction. The important progress is discussed and explained in detail, including the synthesis, characterization, and specific applications of red semiconductor photocatalysts. Finally, the review concludes by summarizing both findings and perspectives.