Recent advances and mechanisms in magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis: A review

Abstract

Under the influence of energy crisis and environmental water pollution, photocatalysis technology using solar energy has been widely used. At present, a variety of catalyst modification strategies have been developed, but the corresponding photocatalytic performance is not ideal. The key to improving the efficiency of photocatalysis is the effective separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. The electromagnetic effect of magnetic field will affect the spin state and the motion mode of electrons, so it is feasible to enhance the photocatalytic performance with external magnetic field. Additionally, the magnetic field has the advantages of simplicity, non-contact, environmental friendly, and high efficiency which is more in line with the policy requirement of green energy development and utilization. In this paper, the main theories of magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis are reviewed and the mechanism of magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis is explained from three aspects: spin polarization, Lorentz force, and magnetoresistance effect. Then combined with the application of magnetic field in photocatalytic CO2 reduction, water decomposition, wastewater treatment, and N2 fixation, the enhancement strategies of various photocatalysts were summarized. Finally, the challenges and potential application value of magnetic field enhanced photocatalytic performance were presented, providing corresponding theoretical basis and experimental guidance for subsequent research.