A review on the development and advancement of Ta2O5 as a promising photocatalyst

Ta2O5 is an important material that has recently been discovered to serve as an attractive alternative to TiO2 during photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processing, given that the position of its conduction band is comparably higher. Thus, in perspective, it can bring the following benefits: improved kinetics for reduction reactions during water splitting process, increased selectivity for CO2 conversion, and also the formation of additional radical species that contribute to the enhancement of efficiency toward the degradation of organic pollutants. Yet, apart from considering these great outcomes, one should notice that this material represents a wide band gap semiconductor and thus suffers from an inability to absorb visible light, poor charge transport, and low conductivity that limits its performance. In this regard, proper access to its characteristics and features along with a thorough understanding of which strategies can be used to extend them is highly necessary. Following this goal, the present review aims to examine the current research progress on Ta2O5 in terms of its controllable synthesis and application as a photocatalyst. Furthermore, it is demonstrated how further advancement of this material with regard to demonstrated performance can be proceeded through the employment of various methods and approaches. There is a belief that this review would make a valuable contribution to broadening existing knowledge about nanostructured Ta2O5.

Automated summary

Ta2O5 is a promising alternative to TiO2 in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes due to its higher conduction band position. It can improve kinetics for reduction reactions, increase selectivity for CO2 conversion, and generate additional radical species for efficient degradation of organic pollutants. However, its wide band gap, inability to absorb visible light, poor charge transport, and low conductivity limit its performance. Therefore, understanding its characteristics and strategies to enhance its performance are crucial.