A Review on the Bioinspired Photocatalysts and Photocatalytic Systems

Abstract After long‐term evolution, organisms in nature have achieved optimal structure, organization, and function to adapt to the environment. Some ingenious biological structures have highly efficient solar light absorption, matter transmission, and natural photocatalytic properties, such as leaves, sunflowers, seaweeds, algae, bacteria. Artificial photocatalysis, which involves CO₂ reduction and water splitting to obtain green renewable energy or oxygen, is of great significance for solving the problem of energy shortages, achieving carbon neutrality, and building a sustainable society. In order to improve the efficiency of artificial photocatalysis, it is necessary to develop highly efficient photocatalysts by expanding ideas and drawing innovative inspiration from nature. Artificially constructed photocatalysts with bionic structures achieved by simulating natural organisms have gradually become an exciting research field with great potential in recent years. This article reviews bioinspired photocatalysts and photocatalytic systems from the aspects of principle, composition, construction method, and the achieved performance. It is expected that this review will help researchers develop a systematic and in‐depth understanding for the biomimetic design of photocatalysts and photocatalytic systems.