Optimizing charge carrier dynamics in photocatalysts for enhanced CO2 photoreduction: Fundamental principles, advanced strategies, and characterization techniques
Bangwang Li,
Liteng Ren,
Daochuan Jiang,
Minyu Jia,
Mengjie Zhang,
Gengsheng Xu,
Yingqiang Sun,
Linrui Hou,
Changzhou Yuan,
Yupeng Yuan
Affiliations
Bangwang Li
School of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Key Laboratory of Structure & Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P R China
Liteng Ren
School of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Key Laboratory of Structure & Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P R China
Daochuan Jiang
School of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Key Laboratory of Structure & Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P R China
Minyu Jia
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P R China
Mengjie Zhang
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P R China
Gengsheng Xu
School of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Key Laboratory of Structure & Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P R China
Yingqiang Sun
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P R China; Corresponding authors.
Linrui Hou
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P R China
Changzhou Yuan
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P R China; Corresponding authors.
Yupeng Yuan
School of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Key Laboratory of Structure & Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P R China; Corresponding authors.
The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals represents a significant strategy for addressing global warming and climate change. The effectiveness and selectivity of this process depend critically on the efficient separation of electron-hole pairs within photocatalysts. This review summarizes recent advancements in optimizing photocatalyst performance through enhanced charge carrier dynamics. We first detail the fundamental principles of free carrier dynamics and exciton interactions and then evaluate strategies for improving charge carrier separation and utilization, such as cocatalyst loading, heterojunction formation, photoelectron injection, and donor-acceptor systems. The role of advanced characterization methods, including photoluminescence, Kelvin probe force microscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in elucidating charge carrier dynamics, is also reviewed. The review concludes by identifying current challenges and proposing future research perspectives on enhancing charge carrier dynamics to improve CO2 reduction efficiency.
