Composite Photocatalytic Materials for Environmental Technologies; Water Purification and Hydrogen Generation

Dear Colleagues,

Accessible clean water and energy resources are, at present, among the highest priorities sustaining economic growth and societal wellbeing. The innovative applications of nanosized materials, among others, involve the harvesting of solar irradiation to purify water and supply energy. The underlying mechanism of photocatalytic processes for water purification and photoelectrochemical processes for energy conversion is basically the same; both rely on the formation of electron/hole (e–/h+) pairs at a semiconducting material upon its excitation by light with sufficient photon energy. Harvesting a broader spectrum of solar irradiation involves lowering of the band gap of the semiconducting material whilst inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Strategies include doping with nonmetals, incorporation or deposition of noble metals (ions), and material engineering solutions based on composites formation using transition metals, carbon nanotubes, dye sensitizers, conductive polymers, graphene (oxide), and semiconducting materials. Tailoring of composite materials is currently the focus of scientific research worldwide aiming at increased effectiveness, unselectivity towards target pollutants, long-term stability, and durability in solar driven processes for water purification and hydrogen generation.

This Special Issue is aimed at covering recent research and novel trends in the field of development, synthesis, preparation, characterization, and application of composite photocatalytic materials for environmental technologies; water purification; and hydrogen generation. Full papers, short communications, and reviews in the field are welcome. Mini-reviews with an overview on the state-of-the-art with future perspectives and trends in this domain will be also considered.

The Editors welcome contributions highlighting the role of composite photocatalytic materials for environmental technologies without any restrictions regarding the nature of the catalyst and the preparation method, as well as the targeted pollutants.

Prof. Hrvoje Kušić
Dr. Fernando Fresno
Prof. Ana Loncaric Bozic
Guest Editors

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