Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis and Applications in the Environment
1Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
2Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
3COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore, Pakistan
Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis and Applications in the Environment
Description
Photocatalysis is deemed to be a promising approach for the utilization of photoenergy. In recent decades, photocatalysis research has mainly focused on water splitting, reduction of CO2, synthesis or degradation of organic pollutants, air remediation, and self-decontaminating surfaces.
These applications are driven by renewable solar energy, which is conducive to the sustainable development of energy resources with little to no impact on the environment. Solar power is arguably the most renewable energy supply, and it is of great importance to develop ways for fully utilizing this powerful resource, such that many of our energy needs that are currently being met with nongreen sources can eventually become solar powered. In order to achieve highly efficient photocatalysis processes, further development of this technology is urgently required.
Nanomaterials are important in photocatalysis research, due to the ability to fine-tune their properties, allowing for highly specialized photocatalysis. For applications utilizing visible light, the modification of photocatalysis can occur via the formation of heterojunction nanocomposites by inhibiting the recombination of charge carriers. Thus, nanomaterials constitute a highly important type of photocatalyst worthy of study.
The aim of this special issue is to provide a new understanding of photocatalysis using nanomaterials and give valuable inspiration and insight for researchers working in this attractive field. In this special issue, we especially encourage research about nanomaterials for use in water splitting photocatalysis. Experimental or simulative works and review papers are welcomed.
Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:
- Nanomaterial photocatalysts for water splitting to provide clean fuel resources
- Photocatalysis using nanomaterials for CO2 reduction in the environment
- Nanomaterials used in photocatalysis for removing environmental pollutants
- Photocatalysis using nanomaterials for self-decontaminating surfaces
- Synthesis of nanomaterial photocatalysts for use in environmental remediation and comparative studies on their resulting properties, especially their environmental impacts, and efficiency
- Photocatalytic reaction mechanisms utilizing nanomaterials as catalysts for degradation of organic pollutants
- Photoelectrocatalysis using nanomaterials and its applications in environmental remediation