Crystal facet and surface defect engineered low dimensional CeO₂(0D, 1D, 2D) based photocatalytic materials towards energy generation and pollution abatement

Abstract

Surface defects and crystal facet engineering are the two important strategies which effectively enhance the efficiency of a photocatalyst by modulating its physiochemical properties. To date, surface defects and morphology...

Sustainable Production of Layered Bismuth Oxyhalides for Photocatalytic H2 Production

“…On the edges of the layers ({010} facets of BiOCl, for example), the surface termination is less definite. Crystal facet engineering can efficiently modulate atomic rearrangement and coordination and hence result in different surface electronic structures, electrical conductivity, reaction centers, and reactant adsorption sites …”

“…By controlling crystal sizes, shapes, and/or facetings of BiOX materials, a single platform can be provided to control the reactivity and selectivity of a photocatalyst by controlling its physicochemical properties. 118 For instance, constructing nanostructures can minimize the charge carrier traveling distance to reach the surface of the material, minimizing recombination and aiding in better PHE. Photocatalytic reactivity varies among exposed surfaces due to the anisotropic layered structure.…”

“…Crystal facet engineering can efficiently modulate atomic rearrangement and coordination and hence result in different surface electronic structures, electrical conductivity, reaction centers, and reactant adsorption sites. 118 Ye et al have synthesized black ultrathin BiOCl nanosheets in a glycerol-based system. 87 The alcohol groups in glycerol can react with the exposed oxygen on the {001} surfaces of BiOCl, leading to the formation of oxygen vacancies that can lead to high PHE.…”

“…124 distinct interface with different energy alignments is formed. 118 Proper band alignment at the interface between the two components of a heterostructure is crucial for interfacial charge transfer and separation. Type-II band heterostructures are extensively studied for photocatalytic applications.…”

“…A heterostructure consists of different materials which are physically or chemically bonded together, exhibiting a complex geometry and a distinct junction interface that ideally leads to superior performances of semiconductor heterostructures compared to the individual semiconductor materials . Each component has its own crystal structure, potentially with different orientations, and when combined, a distinct interface with different energy alignments is formed . Proper band alignment at the interface between the two components of a heterostructure is crucial for interfacial charge transfer and separation.…”