Visible-light photocatalysts: Prospects and challenges

In this research update, we discuss the visible-light photocatalysis. Due to the potential of utilizing freely available solar energy for environmental remediation and fuel generation, this topic has been of increasing interest. Huge amount of work has been done in developing a large variety of photocatalyst materials, and advances have been made in understanding the process. Nevertheless, substantial challenges remain. Some of those challenges could possibly be solved by developing better materials, but in many cases, the biggest problem is whether photocatalysis could be scaled up to an industrial process that would be cost-competitive to existing technologies. Here, we discuss different types of visible-light photocatalysts and their applications and outline various challenges that need to be addressed in the development of practically relevant materials and systems.