Inorganic semiconductors-graphene composites in photo(electro)catalysis: Synthetic strategies, interaction mechanisms and applications

The remarkable physicochemical properties of graphene (GR) and derivatives can be leveraged in the photocatalytic activity of GR-semiconductor photocatalysts. The hitherto state of knowledge on the role of GR in these composite materials is insufficient and leaves many questions unanswered, thus it is imperative to fully understand the interaction mechanisms between GR and inorganic semiconductors. Detailed study and optimization of the features related to the interface are still very much sought to efficiently design photocatalysts targeting their eventual commercialization. This review shows that photocatalytic activity of such composites depends not only on high GR electron mobility and charge transfer, but also on the properties of the interface (such as interface morphology, size, crystal phases and facet, dimensionality of composites, etc.). Focusing on the last advancements in this field, this review analyses the challenges involved in the synthetic strategies of GR-semiconductor photo(electro)catalysts in various applications including pollutant degradation, organic synthesis, hydrogen evolution and photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Mechanism of interaction between GR and semiconductors are thoroughly discussed by examining the proposed mechanism in the diverse areas where the composite materials are employed in photo(electro)catalytic processes. In addition, various synthetic and characterization technique available hitherto are presented, since they are pivotal to the understanding of the composites properties (such as morphology, crystal phases and exposed facets, degree of crystallinity, dimensionality etc.), and even to shed more light on interaction mechanisms of the photocatalyst constituents. As a future outlook, it is envisaged that research will not only focus on optimizing GR electrical and chemical properties, yet in the synthesis of GR-semiconductor photocatalysts attention needs also be placed on the properties of the resulting composites, using suitable synthetic methods and proper characterizations to assess their performance.