Advances in Photocatalysis for Clean Energy and Environmental Protection

The field of photocatalysis is rapidly advancing as researchers seek to harness the vast potential of solar energy for chemical reactions that support sustainable development. Well-established materials such as TiO₂, ZnO, CdS, and graphitic carbon nitride, along with newer entrants like MXenes, perovskites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), continue to receive attention for their effectiveness as semiconductor photocatalysts. These materials have proven valuable for processes including hydrogen generation, CO₂ reduction, and the breakdown of organic and biological pollutants. Recent breakthroughs in nanostructuring, defect engineering, and heterojunction creation have improved the efficiency of light absorption and charge separation. Nevertheless, despite these advances, several photocatalysts still struggle with limited visible-light activity, stability concerns, and low catalytic efficiency, especially under practical conditions. The need to better understand mechanisms and integrate system-level approaches remains at the forefront of the discipline’s ongoing challenges.This Research Topic aims to address persistent problems that limit photocatalytic performance, stability, and practical application, especially for large-scale use in clean energy and environmental protection. The objective is to bring together studies that offer solutions to issues such as low efficiency, rapid charge carrier recombination, and insufficient resilience under real-world conditions. By focusing on innovative developments in material engineering, heterojunction assembly, band gap modification, and surface or interface engineering, as well as the formation of hybrid composites, this Research Topic seeks to highlight promising pathways forward. Mechanistic insights into charge transfer, identification of reaction intermediates, and the understanding of active sites are also needed for rational catalyst design. A mix of experimental and theoretical work, including new methods like machine learning, is encouraged to create a clearer roadmap for the next generation of high-performing photocatalysts.This Research Topic covers advances and approaches in photocatalyst materials and system integration aimed at improving both energy and environmental outcomes. Both fundamental research and applied studies are welcome, as are interdisciplinary efforts that bridge gaps in mechanistic understanding and practical application. To gather further insights into these developments, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Design and engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts- Strategies for improving light absorption and charge dynamics- Mechanistic investigations of photocatalytic reactions and intermediates- Approaches to enhance stability and efficiency under real conditions- Nanostructure, defect, and heterojunction formation- Hybrid catalyst systems and composites- System integration and scalability for practical applications Topic editors: Fei Chang, Dr. Meenakshi Gusain, M. Wasim Akhtar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76158/advances-in-photocatalysis-for-clean-energy-and-environmental-protection