Advancing photocatalysis through efficient fabrication of morphology-engineered photonic crystals

Abstract

Enhancing photocatalytic efficiency remains a key research focus and challenge due to limitations like narrow light absorption ranges and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers. Photonic crystals offer promising solutions through their unique PBG characteristics, photon localization effects, and slow light properties. Unlike previous studies emphasizing photocatalytic material optimization, this work investigates multi-dimensional photonic crystal structures and their mechanisms in controlling light propagation. Preparation methods such as self-assembly and template techniques are discussed, particularly highlighting strategies for creating morphologically unique photonic crystals. The study further explores how photonic crystals expand light absorption spectra, enhance light utilization efficiency, and facilitate carrier separation. These mechanisms not only provide theoretical guidance for boosting photocatalytic reaction activity but also establish new design principles for high-performance photocatalysts. This review may advance the application potential of photocatalytic technology by addressing fundamental challenges through structural innovation and light–matter interaction regulation.