Carbon nanostructured fullerene-based photocatalysts for solar fuel generation: linking electronic structure, charge dynamics, and photocatalytic function
Journal of Materials Chemistry A, cilt.14, sa.47, ss.31813-31835, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 47
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1039/d6ta04274k
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, MEDLINE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.31813-31835
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The increasing energy demand and CO2 emissions necessitate efficient solar-to-fuel conversion strategies, yet photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 evolution remain limited by unfavorable thermodynamics, sluggish kinetics, and rapid charge recombination. Fullerenes have become unique components in photocatalytic systems owing to their high electron affinity, delocalized π-conjugation, and long excited-state lifetimes. This review presents a mechanistic picture of fullerene-based photocatalysts for solar fuel generation, along with a structure–function correlation. It explicitly explains the multifunctional nature of fullerenes as electron acceptors, electron donors, and energy/electron mediators, and links these functions to charge separation efficiency, interfacial charge transfer, and selectivity in catalysis. The inherent photophysical characteristics, such as effective intersystem crossing and multi-electron accumulation capacity, are crucial for increased CO2 reduction and H2 evolution. Specific attention is given to the selectivity of the C1/C2 product by regulating the stabilization of the intermediate, alignment of bands, and heterostructure design. Lastly, critical issues, such as the lack of quantitative structure–activity relationships and scalable design strategies, are identified. This study provides a coherent framework linking the electronic structure, charge dynamics, and catalytic activity, offering a logical route to next-generation fullerene-based solar fuel systems.