Solar Energy Catalysis

When it comes to using solar energy to promote catalytic reactions, photocatalysis technology is the first choice. However, sunlight can not only be directly converted into chemical energy through a photocatalytic process, it can also be converted through different energy-transfer pathways. Using sunlight as the energy source, photocatalytic reactions can proceed independently, and can also be coupled with other catalytic technologies to enhance the overall catalytic efficiency. Therefore, sunlight-driven catalytic reactions are diverse, and need to be given a specific definition. We propose a timely perspective for catalytic reactions driven by sunlight and give them a specific definition, namely solar energy catalysis. The concept of different types of solar energy catalysis, such as photocatalysis, photothermal catalysis, solar cell powered electrocatalysis, and pyroelectric catalysis, are highlighted. Finally, their limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Automated summary

Solar energy catalysis is an important method for promoting chemical reactions, utilizing sunlight as an energy source through different energy-transfer pathways. In this article, we provide a specific definition for solar energy catalysis and highlight different types of solar energy catalysis, as well as discussing their limitations and future research directions.