Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2017, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (4): 617-624.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(17)62821-3

• Minireviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Engineering vacancies for solar photocatalytic applications

Mingce Longa,b, Longhui Zhenga   

  1. a School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
    b Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
  • Received:2016-10-29 Revised:2016-11-18 Online:2017-04-18 Published:2017-04-12
  • Supported by:

    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21377084) and Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest (201503107).

Abstract:

In contrast to the exploration of novel photocatalytic materials, vacancy engineering of traditional photocatalysts comprising earth-abundant elements represents an effective method for enhancing photocatalytic performance without introducing alien elements. This minireview analyzes the latest progress in engineering vacancies in photocatalysts, remarks on state-of-the-art characterization techniques for vacancies, and reviews the formation chemistry and fundamental benefits of anion and cation vacancies in typical photocatalysts. Although knowledge of these vacancies is increasing, challenges remain in this field, and possible further research is therefore also discussed.

Key words: Oxygen vacancy, Hydrogenated treatment, Photocatalysis, Chemisorption, Titanium vacancy