Synthesis of Mesoporous Titania Nanomaterials for Evolving Photocatalytic Applications

Abstract Photocatalysis has well‐established yet continuously evolving as a sustainable strategy to address global energy demands and environmental remediation. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), as a classic semiconductor photocatalyst, demonstrates exceptional merits including cost‐effectiveness, biocompatibility, structural robustness, and surface reactivity. Nevertheless, the intrinsic wide bandgap (∼3.2 eV) of pristine TiO 2 severely restricts its visible‐light absorption capacity while accelerating charge carrier recombination. Recent advancements in nanostructural engineering have propelled mesoporous TiO 2 ‐based architectures to the forefront of photocatalyst research, owing to their tunable pore topology, enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratios, and improved mass transport properties. This review systematically examines the progress and paradigm shifts in mesoporous TiO 2 photocatalyst development. The discussion commences with elucidating the fundamental photochemical mechanisms and synthetic strategies, encompassing soft/hard templating approaches and template‐free method. Subsequently, this work critically evaluates cutting‐edge applications in photocatalytic hydrogen (H 2 ) evolution, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction, degradation and nitrogen (N 2 ) fixation. The review concludes with an analysis of the limitations and challenges of mesoporous TiO 2 ‐based materials in the field of photocatalysis, as well as the prospects for future development.