Advanced Photocatalytic Nanomaterials for Degrading Pollutants and Generating Fuels by Sunlight

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the recent development of sunlight-driven heterogeneous photocatalysts with different chemical compositions and nanostructures. Various photocatalytic nanomaterials, including metal oxides, heterojunction nanocomposites, oxynitrides, oxysulfides, and graphitic carbon nitride, are described. Their preparation methods as well as the mechanisms involved are introduced. These materials can be used to degrade pollutants and generate fuels. Photocatalytic evolution of H2 from water and conversion of CO2 to fuels are discussed in detail. The development of advanced photocatalytic technology involving novel nanomaterials may allow the construction of clean and facile systems for solving the global energy and environmental problems.