Fullerene-based photocatalysis as an eco-compatible approach to photochemical reactions

Abstract

Photocatalytic materials have garnered a lot of interest in recent decades for their effective use in solar energy harvesting. Fullerenes have drawn interest in a number of applications, particularly in the field of photocatalysis, owing to its remarkable qualities, which include great stability in chemical form, an extensive specific surface area, superior electrical conductivity, and a peculiar zero-dimensional carbon nanoallotrope. The use of fullerenes as zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications has been well studied. Fullerene-based photocatalysts have been applied and developed in areas such as organic synthesis, aerobic oxidation, photodyanamic therapy, CO₂ reduction, H₂ creation, and degradation of pollutants. This review attempts to give a broad summary of the most recent findings in fullerene-based photocatalyst research.