Recent advances in photoelectrocatalysis for environmental applications: Sensing, pollutants removal and microbial inactivation

Harmful contaminants and microorganisms in the environment have threatened ecological security and human health. Detecting and removing these pollutants with a simple and high-efficiency method is significantly essential. Compared to conventional sensing and eliminating routes, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), as a recently arisen pathway, combines the advantages of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, and unfolds a novel platform. The PEC activity is strongly linked to the composition and morphology characteristics of photosensitive semiconductor. Hence, much attention has been paid to the rational fabrication and modification of high-efficiency photoelectrocatalysts. Herein, we offer an all-around review on the design strategies of photoelectrocatalysts, including ion doping and constructing heterojunctions as well as some other methods like vacancy induction, surface treatment, crystal plane regulation, size and morphology control. The recent advances for environmental applications of these photoelectrocatalysts in PEC system involving pollutants sensing, pollutants removal, and microbial inactivation are expounded. Besides, the functional mechanisms and performance assessment of the established PEC system are discussed. More importantly, the challenges and prospects of future research are put forward. This review makes clear the application of PEC in the field of environment, and provides unique insights for the future research direction.