Revisiting one-dimensional TiO2 based hybrid heterostructures for heterogeneous photocatalysis: a critical review

One-dimensional (1D) TiO2 nanostructures have been regarded as ideal candidates for solar energy conversion due to their unique structural merits including large surface-to-volume ratio, fast and long-distance charge transport, and good physi-co-chemical stability. Over the past few decades, tremendous interest has been devoted to fabricating a large number of 1D TiO2 based heterostructures for extensive photocatalytic applications. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive and systematic discussion on the latest developments of a large variety of 1D TiO2 based composite heterostructures along with their versatile photocatalytic applications in various research fields including nonselective photodegradation of organic pollutants for environmental remediation, photocatalytic selective organic transformation, as well as solar energy conversion for fuel production. Furthermore, future challenges and promising perspectives for this increasingly booming photocatalytic technology are also presented. It is anticipated that this review article will provide enriched and useful information on rational utilization of the outstanding structure and electronic properties of 1D TiO2 nanostructures for a wide range of photocatalytic applications.