Core–Shell Semiconductor-Graphene Nanoarchitectures for Efficient Photocatalysis: State of the Art and Perspectives

Abstract

Highlights

The constructions under internal and external driving forces were introduced and compared with each other.

The physicochemical properties were analyzed for the assessment of crystalline quality and photoelectric characteristics.

The photocatalytic applications, mechanisms, and developments of the core-shell semiconductor-graphene nanoarchitectures were illustrated in detail.

Semiconductor photocatalysis holds great promise for renewable energy generation and environment remediation, but generally suffers from the serious drawbacks on light absorption, charge generation and transport, and structural stability that limit the performance. The core–shell semiconductor-graphene (CSSG) nanoarchitectures may address these issues due to their unique structures with exceptional physical and chemical properties. This review explores recent advances of the CSSG nanoarchitectures in the photocatalytic performance. It starts with the classification of the CSSG nanoarchitectures by the dimensionality. Then, the construction methods under internal and external driving forces were introduced and compared with each other. Afterward, the physicochemical properties and photocatalytic applications of these nanoarchitectures were discussed, with a focus on their role in photocatalysis. It ends with a summary and some perspectives on future development of the CSSG nanoarchitectures toward highly efficient photocatalysts with extensive application. By harnessing the synergistic capabilities of the CSSG architectures, we aim to address pressing environmental and energy challenges and drive scientific progress in these fields.