The topic of photocatalysis and CuxO-based materials has been intertwined for quite a long time. Its relatively high abundance in the earth's crust makes it an important target for researchers around the globe. One of the properties exploited by researchers is its ability to exist in different oxidation states (Cu0, Cu+, Cu2+, and Cu3+) and its implications on photocatalytic efficiency improvement. Recently, they have been extensively used as photocatalytic materials for dye and pollutant degradation. However, it has almost reached saturation levels, therefore, currently, they are being mostly utilized for CO2 reduction and H2 evolution. Hence, this review will discuss the evolution (in application) of CuxO-based photocatalysts, relating to their past, present, and future. Moreover, photocatalytic efficiency improvement strategies such as doping, heterojunction formation, and carbonaceous construction with other materials will also be touched upon. Finally, the prospect of Cu2O-based photocatalysts will be discussed in the field of photocatalytic N2 fixation to ammonia. The significance of N2 chemisorption on photocatalysts to maximize ammonia production will also be given importance.
Keywords: Copper oxide; N(2) chemisorption; N(2) fixation; Oxidation states; Photocatalysis.
Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.