Rational design and interfacial engineering of hierarchical S-scheme heterojunction and their photocatalytic applications

Abstract

Rational design and engineering the interfacial structure with diverse morphological features of functional semiconductors for the fabrication of S-scheme heterojunction (SSH) remains as pivotal aspiration in energy and environmental applications. This review article diligently summarises the state-of-art progress and provides specific insights into the design and fabrication of hierarchical hybrid nanostructures comprising 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D nanomaterials. The analytical tools to attest the formation of SSH between the integrated components are briefly highlighted. The photocatalytic application of hierarchical SSH encompassing the energy-environmental aspects such as H₂ generation, CO₂ reduction, pollutant degradation, organic synthesis and coupled photocatalytic systems are concisely discussed. The further progress achieved through co-catalyst modifications and fabrication of dual SSH are outlined. The current challenges and the prospects in this futuristic and burgeoning arena are envisaged to broaden their applications. It is foreseen that the meticulous fabrication complemented with superlative interfacial structures would inspire the designing of exemplar SSH for sustainable energy and environmental crisis as well as for coupled photocatalytic systems.