Energy Transfer in Ionic‐Liquid‐Functionalized Inorganic Nanorods for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Applications

Abstract Energy transfer in self‐assembled ionic liquids (ILs) and iron oxyhydroxide nanocrystals and the controlled surface chemistry of functionalized nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications are reported. Self‐assembled ILs play the role of multifunctional materials in terms of constructing a well‐designed nanostructure, controlling the surface chemistry, and triggering the energy transfer of functionalized materials. IL‐functionalized β‐FeOOH nanorods show ≈10‐fold higher performances than those of commercial materials due to the synergistic effect of well‐defined nanomaterials in diffusion‐controlled reactions, specific interactions with target pollutants, and energy transfers in hybrid materials. In particular, the energy transfer in C₄MimCl‐functionalized β‐FeOOH nanorods enhances photocatalytic activity due to the generation of Fe²⁺. The strategy described herein provides new insight into the rational design of functionalized inorganic nanomaterials for applications in emerging technologies.