Recent updates on TiO2-based materials for various photocatalytic applications in environmental remediation and energy production

Photocatalytic pollutant degradation and clean energy production are promising approaches that has garnered significant attention in this era of severe environmental and energy crises. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an extensively studied semiconductor photocatalyst that possesses high potential for both applications. However, challenges such as its wide bandgap energy (Eg), low utilization of visible light and rapid charge carrier recombination restrict its full potential. Over the past few years, significant efforts have been made on enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2-based materials through morphology control, heterojunction formation and novel synthesis techniques. This review explores the potential of modified TiO2-based materials as dual-functional photocatalysts for applications in organic pollutant degradation and green hydrogen (H2) production. Implementing this dual functionality in a single system offers several significant benefits, including lower overall implementation and operational costs, minimized secondary byproduct formation and optimized space utilization compared to separate systems.