Recent Advances in Opal/Inverted Opal Photonic Crystal Photocatalysts

Solar light is one of the most renewable energy resources. However, the limited light absorption range and low quantum efficiency of current semiconductors has immensely hindered the development of solar energy utilization technology and has been a matter of research priority. Opal/inverted opal photonic crystals (PCs) display a unique periodic structure, which can spontaneously enhance light–matter interactions and extend light propagation path, thus showing great potential in harvesting solar energy. The construction of opal/inverted opal photonic crystal photocatalyst (PCP) featured with attractive optical performance, which is originated from slow photons effect and multiple scatter effect, has been considered as an effective strategy to boost photocatalytic property. This review starts with the introduction of optical characteristics of PC, followed by discussion of fabrication strategies. Then, an overview of progress toward the application of PCP in photocatalytic hydrogen production, pollutant degradation, and CO 2 reduction is provided as well. Finally, the challenging points and perspective are presented. It is expected that this review can provide valuable guidance for future design and synthesis of PCPs.