Nanostructured Materials for Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on "Nanostructured Materials for Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis" focuses on cutting-edge advancements in utilizing nanomaterials for efficient light-driven and electrochemical catalytic processes.

In recent years, photoactive nanomaterials have garnered significant attention for their potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion applications. Their ability to harness solar or visible light to drive redox reactions holds promise for tackling environmental pollutants and producing sustainable energy sources. Modern material science has enabled precise control over the size, shape, and composition of nanomaterials, optimizing their photocatalytic properties. Post-synthesis modifications further enhance their integration into practical applications, such as photo-reactors or surface coatings, ensuring efficient catalyst recovery and a minimal environmental impact. Additionally, applying external potentials to these materials can boost their efficiency in converting light energy into chemical energy, expanding their utility in green fuel production and solar energy conversion. The environmental applications of photoactive nanomaterials span from water purification and disinfection to the degradation of organic pollutants in both aqueous and gaseous phases. Addressing these urgent environmental challenges necessitates continuous innovation in nanomaterial design to achieve enhanced performance and stability under diverse conditions.

Simultaneously, this Special Issue delves into advanced nanomaterials for electrocatalysis, emphasizing the rational design and characterization of materials for alternative energy devices (AEDs). Highlighting both precious and non-precious metal-based nanomaterials, including single-crystalline structures, (multi)metallic nanoparticles, and composite materials, this Issue explores their electrocatalytic properties for crucial reactions, such as hydrogen evolution/oxidation, oxygen reduction/evolution, and alcohol oxidation. The choice of support materials profoundly influences nanocatalyst performance, with carbon-based supports offering a cost-effective platform for designing low-noble metal or non-precious metal catalysts with superior activity and durability. Fundamental studies on nanocatalyst–support interactions provide insights into optimizing the catalytic efficiency, while practical applications demand stable electrode materials that sustain high performance over extended operational periods.

This Special Issue invites original research papers and reviews that showcase recent advances in nanostructured materials tailored for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. By bringing together diverse perspectives from materials science, chemistry, and engineering, this Issue aims to propel the field toward sustainable solutions and novel applications in catalytic science.

Dr. Yifan Zhang
Dr. Yang Wu
Dr. Wen Luo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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