Progress and challenges in full spectrum photocatalysts: Mechanism and photocatalytic applications

How to efficiently convert solar energy into storable chemical energy has always been an urgent problem in the field of semiconductor-based photocatalysis. Broaden the light-absorption range of photocatalysts is an important strategy to improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion. This paper focused on the recent reported photocatalytic systems that can make use of full spectrum solar energy, and comparatively expounded their design, fabrication methods, mechanism and applications (H2 generation, CO2 reduction, chemical synthesis and sterilization). Emphases were given to the specific mechanisms for full-spectrum absorption in various photocatalysts, including semiconductors with narrow bandgaps, defective semiconductors, plasmonic nano-materials. The outlook was put forward that the future of photocatalytic research is infinite, and ongoing efforts should be devoted on the utilization of infrared-light part in solar spectrum.