Semiconductor nanoheterostructures for photoconversion applications

Abstract

The evergrowing energy crisis and environmental degradation have instigated scientists to explore sophisticated, versatile energy conversion systems. Photoconversion, which conveys solar power to chemical energy, has emerged as an eminent energy conversion approach to accomplish the demands. Recent years have seen the rocketing rise of semiconductor heterostructures as an ideal material paradigm for the realization of miscellaneous photoconversion applications ranging from water splitting, CO 2 reduction and environmental purification to photosynthesis. With tailored functionalities from synergetic effects, semiconductor heterostructures come into prominence as the forefront of photocatalyst development. This topical review summarizes the photoconversion applications developed so far by employing semiconductor heterostructures, with a focus on the heterostructure design principle, interfacial charge dynamics and key factors dictating the overall performance. Future research outlooks and perspectives on the progress of photoconversion technology are also presented.

Plasmonic Ag-Decorated Few-Layer MoS2 Nanosheets Vertically Grown on Graphene for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

“…Photoelectrochemistry (PEC) and photocatalysis of semiconductors have been extensively studied as effective approaches for energy conversion, such as hydrogen gas production by water splitting, and for environmental applications, such as air/water purification, water disinfection, and hazardous waste remediation [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Recently, twodimensional (2D) layered MoS 2 has attracted considerable research attention as a promising semiconductor photocatalyst because of its excellent catalytic activity, high chemical stability, eco-friendliness, and abundance in nature [2][3][4].…”

Real-time monitored photocatalytic activity and electrochemical performance of an rGO/Pt nanocomposite synthesizedviaa green approach

“…Hence, the developed low cost photocatalysis technology can be used as an advanced technology for versatile energy conversion systems. [62][63][64] Furthermore, the proposed eco-friendly, facile approach can be extended to synthesize various metal/metal oxide-based rGO nanocomposites.…”

Converting cellulose nanocrystals into photocatalysts by functionalisation with titanium dioxide nanorods and gold nanocrystals

“…Nanostructures of the latter play the leading role in applications covering adsorption, energy conversion, electronics, gas sensors and catalysis. [8][9][10] Recently, nanocellulose-TiO 2 interfaces have received attention to promote the removal of volatile organic compounds and arsenic in waste water through photocatalytic decomposition. Although TiO 2 can only absorb 4% of the solar light spectrum, it offers several advantages, such as high photocatalytic activity if sufficient light absorption is provided by the external source of illumination, chemical inertness, cost effectiveness, nontoxicity and long term stability against photocorrosion.…”