Photocatalytic reaction mechanisms at the gas–solid interface for environmental and energy applications

Abstract

The photocatalytic gas–solid reaction has been regarded as a powerful tool to solve the environmental pollution and energy crisis. However, problems such as catalyst poisoning, low reaction efficiency, and uncontrollable selectivity are still unsolved, which largely restrict the development of photocatalysis. Therefore, it is significant to reveal and elucidate the reaction mechanisms of gas–solid photocatalysis. Herein, the five major types of gas–solid photocatalytic reactions including the oxidation of NO_x, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NH₃, and reduction of CO₂ and N₂ are discussed and summarized. For each system, the composition and basic properties of gas molecules, the process of adsorption and activation, and various reaction pathways are discussed. Finally, some prospective viewpoints for the future development of gas–solid photocatalysis are proposed.