Self-powered electrochemical sensor based on photoelectrode: An up-to-date review

Self-powered electrochemical sensor (SPES), an analytical sensing device without external power supply, is integrated with the dual functions of power supply and detection performance. Compared with traditional electrochemical sensors, SPES has many potential advantages, such as easy miniaturization, easy portability, wireless transmission, intelligence, and energy self-supply. In the background of the booming Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, the self-powered operation of intelligent sensing equipment is an ideal choice. As a new type of electrochemical sensing device, SPES will receive extensive attention in the fields of electroanalytical chemistry, including wearable sensing devices, portable sensing devices, implantable devices, smart sensing devices, and the like. Herein, an overview of recent developments achieved in SPES based on photoelectrode, including SPES-based on photocatalytic fuel cell, SPES-based on photoelectrochemical, SPES-based on photoassisted zinc-air battery and others, is provided for the application of disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, food safety, biomedicine. We summarized the preparation of different photoelectrode and the composition of photoelectrochemical system for sensing. The photoelectrode involved in the excellent photoelectric material are particularly emphasized and the related sensing strategies are mentioned. Finally, the challenges, future trends, and prospects associated with SPES based on photoelectrode are also discussed.