Quantum dots(QDs) are semiconductor nanostructures that display unique optical and electronic properties due to quantum confinement effects at the nanoscale.Their efficiency in photocatalysis,particularly for energy-r...Quantum dots(QDs) are semiconductor nanostructures that display unique optical and electronic properties due to quantum confinement effects at the nanoscale.Their efficiency in photocatalysis,particularly for energy-related applications,is significantly influenced by their morphology,which can be precisely controlled using different synthesis parameters and techniques.For the first time,this review focuses on the important parameters that influence QDs morphology,such as precursor selection,reaction temperature and time,solvent effects,capping agents or ligands,doping and composition,postsynthesis treatments,and surfactants and stabilizers.It also discusses different synthesis approaches such as colloidal,solvothermal,hydrothermal,microwave-assisted,chemical vapor deposition(CVD),electrochemical,and biomimetic(green) methods,all offering different strategies for controlling QDs morphology.The review explores a range of QDs morphologies,including nanoflowers,nanowires,cubic,nanoribbons,nanofibers,porous,alloyed,nanotubes,heterostructures,core-shell,nanorods,nanosheets,hollow,nanospheres,and spherical particles,which directly influence band structures,surface states,light absorption,and charge carrier dynamics.These shape-dependent properties significantly govern the photocatalytic efficiency,charge separation,and reaction selectivity.Furthermore,we detail the unique contributions of different QDs families,including carbon QDs,metal oxide QDs,MXene-based QDs,perovskite QDs,and transition metal chalcogenide QDs,each offering distinct advantages in terms of stability,tunability,and light-harvesting efficiency.By correlating morphology with photocatalytic performance,this work emphasizes the strategic engineering of QDs morphology as a pathway to unlock superior performance in water splitting,hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),CO_(2) reduction,H_2O_(2) production,pollutant degradation,oxygen reduction process(ORR),and photocatalytic depolymerization.This work underscores the importance of tailoring QDs morphology to optimize their performance in photocatalysis,focusing on enhancing energy conversion and storage processes.展开更多
Defect engineering in photocatalytic materials has garnered significant interest due to the considerable impact of defects on light absorption,charge separation,and surface reaction dynamics.However,a limited understa...Defect engineering in photocatalytic materials has garnered significant interest due to the considerable impact of defects on light absorption,charge separation,and surface reaction dynamics.However,a limited understanding of how these defects influence photocatalytic properties remains a persistent challenge.This review comprehensively analyzes the vital role of defect engineering for enhancing the photocatalytic performance,highlighting its significant influence on material properties and efficiency.It systematically classifies defect types,including vacancy defects(oxygen and metal vacancies),doping defects(anion and cation),interstitial defects,surface defects(step edges,terraces,kinks,and disordered layers),antisite defects,and interfacial defects in the core–shell structures and heterostructure borders.The impact of complex defect groups and manifold defects on improved photocatalytic performance is also examined.The review emphasizes the principal benefits of defect engineering,including the enhancement of light adsorption,reduction of band gaps,improved charge separation and movements,and suppression of charge recombination.These enhancements lead to a boost in catalytic active sites,optimization of electronic structures,tailored band alignments,and the development of mid-gap states,leading to improved structural stability,photocorrosion resistance,and better reaction selectivity.Furthermore,the most recent improvements,such as oxygen vacancies,nitrogen and sulfur doping,surface defect engineering,and innovations in heterostructures,defect-rich metal–organic frameworks,and defective nanostructures,are examined comprehensively.This study offers essential insights into modern techniques and approaches in defect engineering,highlighting its significance in addressing challenges in photocatalytic materials and promoting the advancement of effective and adaptable platforms for renewable energy and environmental uses.展开更多
基金supported by the King Khalid University,Abha, Saudi Arabiathe Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Groups Project under grant number (R. G.P.2/335/46)。
文摘Quantum dots(QDs) are semiconductor nanostructures that display unique optical and electronic properties due to quantum confinement effects at the nanoscale.Their efficiency in photocatalysis,particularly for energy-related applications,is significantly influenced by their morphology,which can be precisely controlled using different synthesis parameters and techniques.For the first time,this review focuses on the important parameters that influence QDs morphology,such as precursor selection,reaction temperature and time,solvent effects,capping agents or ligands,doping and composition,postsynthesis treatments,and surfactants and stabilizers.It also discusses different synthesis approaches such as colloidal,solvothermal,hydrothermal,microwave-assisted,chemical vapor deposition(CVD),electrochemical,and biomimetic(green) methods,all offering different strategies for controlling QDs morphology.The review explores a range of QDs morphologies,including nanoflowers,nanowires,cubic,nanoribbons,nanofibers,porous,alloyed,nanotubes,heterostructures,core-shell,nanorods,nanosheets,hollow,nanospheres,and spherical particles,which directly influence band structures,surface states,light absorption,and charge carrier dynamics.These shape-dependent properties significantly govern the photocatalytic efficiency,charge separation,and reaction selectivity.Furthermore,we detail the unique contributions of different QDs families,including carbon QDs,metal oxide QDs,MXene-based QDs,perovskite QDs,and transition metal chalcogenide QDs,each offering distinct advantages in terms of stability,tunability,and light-harvesting efficiency.By correlating morphology with photocatalytic performance,this work emphasizes the strategic engineering of QDs morphology as a pathway to unlock superior performance in water splitting,hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),CO_(2) reduction,H_2O_(2) production,pollutant degradation,oxygen reduction process(ORR),and photocatalytic depolymerization.This work underscores the importance of tailoring QDs morphology to optimize their performance in photocatalysis,focusing on enhancing energy conversion and storage processes.
基金Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University,Grant/Award Number:RGP2/363/46。
文摘Defect engineering in photocatalytic materials has garnered significant interest due to the considerable impact of defects on light absorption,charge separation,and surface reaction dynamics.However,a limited understanding of how these defects influence photocatalytic properties remains a persistent challenge.This review comprehensively analyzes the vital role of defect engineering for enhancing the photocatalytic performance,highlighting its significant influence on material properties and efficiency.It systematically classifies defect types,including vacancy defects(oxygen and metal vacancies),doping defects(anion and cation),interstitial defects,surface defects(step edges,terraces,kinks,and disordered layers),antisite defects,and interfacial defects in the core–shell structures and heterostructure borders.The impact of complex defect groups and manifold defects on improved photocatalytic performance is also examined.The review emphasizes the principal benefits of defect engineering,including the enhancement of light adsorption,reduction of band gaps,improved charge separation and movements,and suppression of charge recombination.These enhancements lead to a boost in catalytic active sites,optimization of electronic structures,tailored band alignments,and the development of mid-gap states,leading to improved structural stability,photocorrosion resistance,and better reaction selectivity.Furthermore,the most recent improvements,such as oxygen vacancies,nitrogen and sulfur doping,surface defect engineering,and innovations in heterostructures,defect-rich metal–organic frameworks,and defective nanostructures,are examined comprehensively.This study offers essential insights into modern techniques and approaches in defect engineering,highlighting its significance in addressing challenges in photocatalytic materials and promoting the advancement of effective and adaptable platforms for renewable energy and environmental uses.
