The role of interface contact between two oxides, CeO2 and TiO2, for the photocatalytic elimination of toluene is examined in a series of samples with variable quantities of ceria. Samples having ceria contents in the 1 to 10 mol % range improve significantly, exhibiting up to 3.5 times the activity of the bare nano-TiO2 catalyst. To interpret the photocatalytic behavior, this contribution develops a novel spectro-kinetic approach where a joined analysis of the kinetics of the reaction and the fate of charge charriers is merged with the mathematical modeling of the light–catalyst interaction at the photoreactor. This produces a self-consistent approach that simultaneously validates the kinetic model and interprets the activity on rigorous bases. The study is completed with a multitechnique examination of the solids using X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance, UV–vis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies as well as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results provide quantitative evidence that the oxide–oxide contact controls the photoactivity through the number of hole-related species available at the surface of the composite materials and that this number is in turn related to the stabilization of reduced Ce species present at the Ce–Ti interface.

Mechanochemistry has emerged as one of the most interesting synthetic protocols to produce new materials. Solvent-free methodologies lead to unique chemical processes during synthesis with the consequent formation of nanomaterials with new properties. The development of mechanochemistry as a synthetic method is supported by excellent results in a wide range of applications. This feature highlights some representative contributions focused on protocols that could be easily extended to the synthesis of other advanced nanomaterials. Materials for batteries, supercapacitors, and catalytic processes are discussed, indicating the potential future directions of each field. Theoretical aspects and a revision of recent real in situ analyses of the synthesis procedures are also featured. This contribution attempts to present, in a comprehensive way, mechanochemistry as an open research line and a consolidated methodology to synthesize advanced nanomaterials.

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Catalysis is an integral part of a majority of chemical operations focused on the generation of value‐added chemicals or fuels. Similarly, the extensive use of fossil‐derived fuels and chemicals has led to deterioration of the environment. Catalysis currently plays a key role in mitigating such effects. Thermal catalysis and photocatalysis are two well‐known catalytic approaches that were applied in both energy and environmental fields. Thermo‐photocatalysis can be understood as a synergistic effect of the two catalytic processes with key importance in the use of solar energy as thermal and light source. This Review provides an update on relevant contributions about thermo‐photocatalytic systems for environmental and energy applications. The reported activity data are compared with the conventional photocatalytic approach and the base of the photothermal effect is analyzed. Some of the systems based on the positive aspects of thermo‐ and photocatalysis could be the answer to the energy and environmental crisis when taking into account the outstanding results with regard to chemical efficiency and energy saving.