Application of zeolites in photocatalytic solar-energy conversion: mechanisms, advances, and challenges

Abstract

Recent studies have increasingly focused on zeolites for photocatalytic solar-energy conversion due to their tunable porosity, robust frameworks, and multifunctional properties. This review systematically explores their structural characteristics, functional mechanisms (charge separation, mass transport regulation, and microenvironment engineering), and applications in hydrogen evolution, CO₂ reduction, H₂O₂ synthesis, N₂ fixation, and organic transformations. Emphasis is placed on how zeolitic confinement effects, hierarchical porosity, and acid/base sites synergistically enhance reaction efficiency and selectivity. Current challenges and future prospects for scalable design and cross-scale engineering are outlined.