Progress and Outlook of Surface Engineering Strategies in Photocatalytic Materials for Mercury Removal: A Review

In recent years, the potential of photocatalysis for environmental purification and energy conversion has been gradually explored. However, the limited light absorption and easy recombination ability of photogenerated carriers limit its development. To promote the photocatalytic reaction, the surface modification of photocatalytic materials is usually performed to enhance the photocatalytic activity. This review first presents the recent research progress of surface engineering strategies in photocatalytic oxidation of elemental mercury. Then the mechanism of surface engineering strategies to promote photocatalytic oxidation of Hg0 reaction is analyzed at the level of energy band structure, carrier separation, and molecular activation. Next, the application of surface engineering strategies in photocatalysis is described, including environmental purification and energy conversion. Finally, future opportunities and challenges for the development of photocatalysis are presented. This review can not only provide scientific and theoretical guidance for the modification design of photocatalytic materials but also provide strong support for the preparation of photocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental remediation.