TiO2-based catalysts for photothermal catalysis: Mechanisms, materials and applications

Photothermal catalysis (or thermal-photo catalysis) has emerged as a rapidly growing research topic. In contrast to the conventional photocatalytic process at room temperature, thermal energy is coupled into photocatalysis to assist photocatalytic reactions, which can significantly improve the catalytic activity and modulate the catalytic reaction path and selectivity. This review specifically summarizes the recent developments on TiO2-based ma-terials employed in photothermal catalysis. Firstly, the mechanisms and physics accounting for the thermal energy-improved photocatalysis are summarized from different aspects, including light absorption, charge sep-aration and migration, reaction intermediates, thermal kinetics and surface reaction. Then, the characteristics, principles, distinctions and applications of two modes of thermal energy introduction, external heating (bulk heating) or self-heating (local heating), are illustrated, respectively. From the development of materials aspects, the recent progress on TiO2-based catalysts investigated in photothermal catalysis is categorized and discussed. Some representative examples in the applications of hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction, pollutants degradation, chemical synthesis and conversion and biomass utilization are shown to illustrate the broad applicability of photothermal catalysis. Lastly, we present the challenges and perspectives in this field, as a guide for future development in photothermal catalysis.

Automated summary

Photothermal catalysis is a rapidly growing research topic, where thermal energy is coupled into photocatalysis to improve catalytic activity and selectivity. This review summarizes the recent developments on TiO2-based materials in photothermal catalysis, including mechanisms, physics, thermal energy introduction modes, and applications.