Photoredox catalysis over graphene aerogel-supported composites

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogels, by virtue of their unique physicochemical properties, which result from the intrinsic properties of graphene and 3D porous structure characteristics, have attracted ever-increasing research interest in the field of photocatalysis for the sake of efficient utilization of solar energy. Herein, we intend to afford a concise review on the recent progress regarding the synthetic method of graphene aerogels and the promising applications of graphene aerogel-based photocatalysts in pollutant elimination, water splitting, CO₂ reduction, organic synthesis and atmospheric ammonia synthesis. In particular, the superiorities of 3D graphene aerogel-based photocatalysts for various solar-driven photoredox applications have been demonstrated. Furthermore, in addition to discussing opportunities offered by graphene aerogel-supported photocatalysts, we will also describe the existing challenges and the future direction of graphene aerogel-based photocatalysts in this burgeoning research area. It is hoped that this review could spur multidisciplinary research interest for advancing the rational utilization of 3D graphene aerogels to synthesize more efficient photocatalysts for practical applications.