Silver Oxide-Based Semiconductors for Solar Fuels Production and Environmental Remediation: a Solid-State Chemistry Approach

A solid-state perspective is offered for a discussion of silver-based ternary and quaternary oxide semiconductors for applications related to solar fuels photogeneration and environmental remediation. The rather unique d10 electron configuration in these compounds is shown to impart interesting effects on their optoelectronic properties, and in turn, the photocatalytic activity of these compounds. This Minireview focuses on the structural aspects, electronic band structures, synthetic advances, and finally photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic applications of 32 compounds within the two oxide families, of the generic formula: AgxByOz or AgxByCnOz, where B and C are metals or non-metals other than silver.