A universal numerical evaluation strategy for photocatalysts based on the photoelectron transfer (PET) restriction effect: A review

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 463; p. 142421
• Main Authors: Sun, Haoran, Guo, Feng, Shi, Weilong, Wang, Lizhang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2023
• Subjects: Directional fabrication; Numerical evaluation strategy; PET restriction effect; Photocatalyst; Directional fabrication; Numerical evaluation strategy; Photocatalyst; PET restriction effect
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.142421

[Display omitted] •Photocatalysis process is subject to the photoelectron transfer (PET) restriction effect.•The PET restriction effect can be quantitatively described by restriction factors (T) associated with PET possibility (P), resistance (Rct) and ability (A).•The proposed parameters can be applied for evaluation and directional fabrication of photocatalysts.•Specific values of Rct should be more exhibited to quantitatively emphasize overall PET efficiency in future work. Photocatalysts play key roles in photocatalysis process to produce holes and electrons which are responsible for oxidation and reduction. Therefore, generation of the photo-induced carriers is the prerequisite step of photocatalysis, and the subsequent oxidation/reduction efficiency and degree would be determined by resistance and response potential, wholly being subject to the photoelectron transfer (PET) processes. However, a universal numerical evaluation standard on photocatalysts is lacking, resulting in inconvenient communication and performance prediction. Aiming to quantitative evaluate the photocatalysts’ properties, PET possibility (P), resistance (Rct) and ability (A) are defined and employed to describe the occurrence, kinetics and thermodynamics of photoreactions. Meanwhile, the quotient of Rct and product of P and A is defined as the PET restriction factor (T), directly illustrating the overall PET performances. Various typical photocatalytic systems are discussed to prove the scientific merits and versatility of the PET restriction effect. It is expected that the opinions in this review could provide a universal strategy and quantitative tool for evaluation and directional fabrication of photocatalysts.