Recent trends in Photoelectrocatalysts: Types, influencing factors, and versatile applications: A comprehensive review

Photoelectrocatalyst materials catalyze chemical reactions using solar light and an electric field. They have garnered interest due to their potential for sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications. Photoelectrocatalysts have demonstrated moderate magnetic properties, making them potential candidates for practical applications. This review aims to highlight various methods of synthesis, functionalization, and environmental applications of photoelectrocatalysts. The present work also describes different methods for synthesizing photoelectrocatalysts such as sol-gel, hydrothermal/solvothermal, chemical vapour deposition, electrochemical methods, thermal decomposition, chemical bath deposition, co-precipitation, impregnation, and heat treatment. Furthermore, various characterization techniques such as TEM, SEM, STM, XRD, PL, XPS, ET, EIS, BET, RS, ESR, etc., have been summarized and discussed. To enhance the properties and applications of photoelectrocatalysts, functionalization has also been discussed. Additionally, numerous uses such as water splitting, photocatalysis, environmental remediation, carbon dioxide reduction, energy storage, sensor technology, water purification, biomedical applications, etc., have been explored, covering a broad range of fields, and highlighting the versatility of photoelectrocatalysts across various sectors. Likewise, various experimental factors that affect the structure-property relationship of the materials have also been elaborated. Furthermore, challenges and future suggestions have been discussed in the concluding section to provide guidance for researchers. Given its simplicity and conciseness, it is hoped that this review will be equally helpful for researchers and academics interested in the field of photoelectrocatalysts.