Nanostructured (oxy)nitrides controllably synthesized by flux-assisted nitridation for promoted photocatalytic water splitting

Abstract

Visible-light-responsive (oxy)nitride semiconductors have been extensively investigated for promising photocatalytic water splitting. However, the current efficiencies are greatly retarded by the poor charge separation. To alleviate this issue, recently, the flux-assisted nitridation route has been employed and developed for the synthesis of (oxy)nitrides with enhanced crystallinity, reduced defect density, controllable particle size, and tailored morphology to achieve promoted photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, although significant development has been made in this field, there are still no related reviews focusing on flux-assisted nitridation synthesis to date. This review is devoted to filling this gap and providing a comprehensive and systematic illustration of (oxy)nitrides prepared from the flux-assisted nitridation method for photocatalytic water splitting. First, the basics of photocatalytic water splitting and (oxy)nitrides are illustrated, and then, based on it, the principles, features, and regulation of the flux-assisted nitridation approach are systematically elaborated. Subsequently, the research progress of the as-nitrided (oxy)nitrides for efficient photocatalytic water splitting is classified and introduced, where the essential structure–performance relationship is analyzed and revealed. Finally, the future prospects and challenges in this promising field are proposed and discussed.