Beyond photosynthesis: Engineering self-healing photocatalytic systems for sustainability

Self-repairing photocatalysts represent a groundbreaking advancement in photocatalysis, addressing key challenges such as catalyst degradation, material fatigue, and efficiency loss across diverse applications. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, these systems incorporate self-healing mechanisms that restore functionality and extend operational lifespans, even under harsh environmental conditions. This review delves into the fundamental principles, innovative design strategies, and emerging trends in self-repairing photocatalysts, emphasizing their transformative potential in sustainable fuel production, environmental remediation, and carbon fixation. Key topics include molecular-level self-repair mechanisms, surface regeneration, bio-inspired adaptive interfaces, and multi-step repair strategies. Advanced characterization techniques, such as in situ monitoring and time-resolved spectroscopy, are highlighted for their role in optimizing self-healing processes. The synergy between photocatalytic activity and self-repair capabilities is explored through applications such as water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and wastewater treatment, showcasing systems that effectively mitigate degradation.Bio-inspired approaches, including peptide-based self-assembly and metal-organic frameworks, demonstrate exceptional stability and efficiency in photocatalytic systems. Additionally, cutting-edge molecular repair mechanisms, such as artificial enzyme cascades and dynamic covalent chemistry, are examined for their potential to enhance system longevity and performance. Advancements in real-time electron microscopy and AI-assisted degradation monitoring are also reviewed, offering insights into atomic-level repair processes and enabling predictive maintenance to sustain long-term functionality. The review further highlights the implementation of self-repairing photocatalysts in industrial-scale applications, including solar fuel production, CO₂ reduction, and wastewater treatment. Challenges related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability are addressed, with proposed solutions to overcome these barriers. Future research directions emphasize quantum dot-based self-repair systems, bio-hybrid catalysts, and AI-driven adaptive responses, paving the way for commercially viable, self-maintaining photocatalytic systems. These innovations hold immense promise for advancing sustainable energy production, environmental remediation, and carbon fixation, offering critical solutions to global sustainability challenges. • Presents a comprehensive review of recent advances in self-healing photocatalytic systems. • Explores molecular-level mechanisms, surface regeneration, and multi-step self-repair strategies. • Highlights bio-inspired designs such as artificial enzyme cascades and peptide-based self-assembly. • Discusses cutting-edge tools including in situ monitoring and real-time electron microscopy. • Emphasizes applications in water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and wastewater treatment with enhanced durability.