Rational design and applications of highly efficient reaction systems photocatalyzed by noble metal nanoparticle-loaded titanium(IV) dioxide

The fundamentals and applications of TiO(2) photocatalysis have been extensively studied in recent decades, the central theme being increasing reaction efficiency. A guideline for achieving so-called reasonable delivery photocatalytic reaction systems (RDPRSs)'' has been presented. This tutorial review summarizes recent developments in the RDPRS-based design of highly efficient photocatalytic reactions by noble metal nanoparticle-loaded TiO2 (M/TiO2). After introducing the conditions required for RDPRSs, the key factors affecting the photocatalytic activity, including Fermi energy in the photostationary state, the metal particle size effect, and solvent effects are discussed. We then describe selected applications of RDPRSs for the conversion of light energy to chemical energy, environmental purification, and low-temperature cleaning of sulfur-poisoned metal catalysts. Future applications of this idea to visible-light photocatalysts, which are currently the subject of intensive research, may lead to feasible green and efficient photocatalytic reaction systems using sunlight as an energy source.