Topic: Photocatalysts: From Materials Design to Practical Solar-Driven Applications

Photocatalysis, a transformative approach for solar energy conversion, utilizes advanced semiconductor materials to drive light-induced chemical reactions for sustainable energy and environmental solutions. Through strategies such as bandgap engineering, surface modification, and heterostructure construction, photocatalysts can achieve efficient charge separation and redox reactions. Since the late 20th century, key advancements—such as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts, Z-scheme heterostructures, and defect-engineered systems—have expanded the potential of photocatalysis across clean energy and environmental technologies. The scalable production of materials like TiO₂ composites, graphitic carbon nitride, and MOF-derived photocatalysts further demonstrates the field’s industrial promise.

Recent progress in rational photocatalyst design has overcome traditional limitations such as narrow light absorption and rapid charge recombination. Novel systems featuring defect engineering, multiphase heterostructures, and co-catalyst modification enhance visible-light absorption, charge transport, and redox activity. Understanding structure-activity relationships-spanning electronic structures, surface states, and interfacial interactions-has greatly advanced photocatalytic performance for solar-driven energy conversion and pollutant degradation. Importantly, photocatalysis operates under mild conditions and harnesses abundant solar energy, aligning closely with sustainable development goals. Transforming low-value substrates such as water, CO₂, and organic pollutants into high-value fuels and chemicals not only supports carbon neutrality but also mitigates industrial environmental impacts.

Contemporary research emphasizes earth-abundant materials, non-precious co-catalysts, biomass-derived supports, and scalable synthesis strategies. Integration with nanotechnology, in-situ characterization, and AI-assisted screening further accelerates the discovery of high-efficiency photocatalysts.

This Special Issue of Chemical Synthesis, titled “Photocatalysts: From Materials Design to Practical Solar-Driven Applications”，invites cutting-edge research on the synthesis, modification, and application of photocatalytic materials. Topics include solar hydrogen generation, CO₂ reduction, hydrogen peroxide synthesis, and pollutant degradation. The collected works aim to provide new insights and promote the practical deployment of photocatalytic systems for a cleaner, sustainable future.

Photocatalysis, semiconductor materials, energy conversion, sustainable chemistry, solar fuel, environmental remediation