Recent Advancements in the Understanding of the Surface Chemistry in TiO<sub>2</sub> Photocatalysis

Surface chemistry plays a major role in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes taking place with the participation of TiO<sub>2</sub>. The synthesis methods, surface characterizations, theoretical research methods, and hardware over the last decade generated opportunities for...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alexander V. Vorontsov, Héctor Valdés, Panagiotis G. Smirniotis, Yaron Paz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-02-01
Series:Surfaces
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9637/3/1/8
Description
Summary:Surface chemistry plays a major role in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes taking place with the participation of TiO<sub>2</sub>. The synthesis methods, surface characterizations, theoretical research methods, and hardware over the last decade generated opportunities for progress in the surface science of this photocatalyst. Very recently, attention was paid to the design of photocatalysts at the nanoscale level by adjusting the types of exposed surfaces and their ratio, the composition and the surface structure of nanoparticles, and that of individual surfaces. The current theoretical methods provide highly detailed designs that can be embodied experimentally. The present review article describes the progress in the surface science of TiO<sub>2</sub> and TiO<sub>2</sub>-based photocatalysts obtained over the last three years. Such aspects including the properties of macro- and nano-scale surfaces, noble-metal-loaded surfaces, doping with Mg and S, intrinsic defects (oxygen vacancies), adsorption, and photoreactions are considered. The main focus of the article is on the anatase phase of TiO<sub>2</sub>.
ISSN:2571-9637