Three-dimensional ordered macroporous materials for photocatalysis: design and applications

Photocatalysis is a promising strategy for addressing carbon emissions and energy challenges. 3D nanostructures have aroused enormous attention due to their high reaction area, in which three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials are of particular interest to researchers for their larger specific surface area, high light absorption and stability, outstanding mass transfer performance, and unique physicochemical property. Therefore, 3DOM materials have been widely studied in photocatalytic energy conversion and environmental protection such as pollutants degradation, water splitting, and carbon dioxide reduction. In addition, the design method of 3DOM materials also determines the photocatalytic ability. Herein, in this overview, the ongoing progresses in the fabrication and applications of 3DOM materials in photocatalysis are comprehensively summarized and reviewed. Meanwhile, the unique advantages and proposed mechanism of 3DOM materials in photocatalytic processes are discussed in depth. Subsequently, the urgent challenges and future perspectives of 3DOM materials in the photocatalytic system are proposed. We eagerly hope that this review can promote and facilitate the rapid progress of this dynamic research field.

Automated summary

Photocatalysis using 3D nanostructures, especially three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials, shows great promise in addressing carbon emissions and energy challenges. The design method of 3DOM materials plays a crucial role in determining their photocatalytic abilities, which are essential for applications in pollutants degradation, water splitting, and carbon dioxide reduction. The ongoing progresses in fabrication and applications of 3DOM materials in photocatalysis are summarized and reviewed comprehensively, along with discussions on their unique advantages and proposed mechanisms in photocatalytic processes.