Recent advances in polymer/metal/metal oxide hybrid nanostructures for catalytic applications: a review

This review presents the essence of polymer and polymer/metal oxide hybrid nanoparticles in catalytic applications. The weakness of the modern photocatalytic system such as low ability to migrate the photogenerated electrons and holes, rapid charge recombination, and shortage in use of visible-light hinders its industrial application. As a result, various elements, metalloids, metal oxide, transition metals, mixing with polymers, etc. are dopped as co-catalyst which changes the life of the mechanism. Besides, in this protocol general overview of their synthesis with different approaches reported in the literature was outlined. It also describes their physical hallmarks such as size and shape in terms of synthetic protocols. It provides numerous examples of nanoplatforms valid for catalytic applications. Eventually, it focuses on their potentiality as outstanding catalytic candidates and their use in hydrogen production, wastewater treatment, and air purification.