Photothermal Assisted Interfacial Cleaning with Semiconductor‐Based Sorbents: Recent Advances and Future Outlook for Effective Oil Spill Remediation

Abstract

Oceanic oil spills exert enduring adverse effects on marine ecosystems and human health. In contrast to conventional cleaning methods, advanced oil sorbents present a promising technology characterized by low cost, reduced environmental impact, and exceptional hydrophobicity and oleophilic properties for efficient oil removal from seawater. Despite these advantages, the efficacy of sorbents is hindered by highly viscous oil, impeding the oil/water separation process. To overcome this limitation, solar‐driven sorbents incorporating semiconductor materials are innovatively developed, leveraging increased temperatures to enhance crude oil absorption by reducing viscosity. Herein, a comprehensive review specifically focuses on various semiconductor‐functionalized sorbents for oil spill remediation, elucidating oil weathering and traditional cleaning methods to underscore the complexities and challenges in oil cleaning processes. An in‐depth discussion about the cleaning mechanisms of sorbents and the photothermal conversion processes facilitated by semiconductors is also provided. Additionally, it explores three coupling strategies—Joule heating and solar heating, photothermal effect, and magnetic effect, as well as photothermal and photocatalysis—that offer significant advancements in oil cleanup efficiency. Concluding with forward‐looking insights, the challenges and perspectives for the next generation of ocean oil spill removal technologies are proposed at the end.