Photoactive materials based on semiconducting nanocarbons – A challenge opening new possibilities for photocatalysis

Abstract

This perspective paper introduces the concept that nanocarbons and related materials such as carbon dots are an interesting intrinsic photocatalytic semiconducting material, and not only a modifier of the existing (semiconducting) materials to prepare hybrid materials. The semiconducting properties of the nanocarbons, and the possibility to have the band gap within the visible-light region through defect band engineering, introduction of light heteroatoms and control/manipulation of the curvature or surface functionalization are discussed. These materials are conceptually different from the “classical” semiconducting photocatalysts, because semiconductor domains with tuneable characteristics are embedded in a conductive carbon matrix, with the presence of various functional groups (as CO groups) enhancing charge separation by trapping electrons. These nanocarbons open a range of new possibilities for photocatalysis both for energetic and environmental applications. The use of nanocarbons as quantum dots and photoluminescent materials was also analysed.