Multifunctional graphene-based composite photocatalysts oriented by multifaced roles of graphene in photocatalysis

Graphene (GR), a single-layer carbon sheet with a hexagonal packed lattice structure, has displayed attractive potential and demonstrably become the research focus in artificial photocatalysis due to its enchanting properties in enhancing light absorption, electron transfer dynamics, and surface reactions. Currently, numerous efforts have shown that the properties of GR, which are closely correlated to the photocatalytic performance of GR-based composites are significantly affected by the synthesis methods. Herein, we first introduce the optimization strategies of GR-based hybrids and then elaborate the synthesis of GR-based composite photocatalysts oriented by manifold roles of GR in photoredox catalysis, containing photoelectron mediator and acceptor, improving adsorption capacity, regulating light absorption range and intensity, as well as macromolecular photosensitizer. Beyond that, a brief outlook on the challenges in this burgeoning research field and potential evolution strategies for enhancing the photoactivity of GR-based hybrids is presented and we anticipate that this review could provide some enlightenments for the rational construction and application of multifunctional GR-based composite photocatalysts.