Recent progress on photocatalytic heterostructures with full solar spectral responses

Abstract

• Progress of full-solar-light-driven photocatalytic heterostructures was reviewed. • Photo-responsive and photocatalytic mechanism of heterostructures were described. • Heterostructure design need to consider both photoresponse and charge migration. • These heterostructures were used in environmental, energy and chemical field. • Challenges and perspectives for photocatalytic heterostructures were discussed. Photocatalysis has received significant attention as a technology that can solve global energy and environmental issues that are essential for the sustainable development of society. The use of solar light and separated photo-generated charges plays an important role in enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. Constructing heterostructure-based full-solar-light-driven photocatalysts is a sensible method for widening the solar light response and accelerating charge migration. This review comprehensively summarizes progress in heterostructure development for use in full-solar-light-driven photocatalytic systems, including basic photo-response theory, photocatalytic mechanisms, and applications including environmental decontamination, water-splitting, CO 2 conversion, and photocatalytic oxidation reactions. This review provides an in-depth discussion regarding the fundamental principles associated with solar-light harvesting and efficient charge migration that are crucial for heterostructure design. Therefore, this review provides inspiration for the development of further innovations in the full-solar-light-driven photocatalysis field.