Design, synthesis and properties of highly functional nanostructured photocatalysts

Semiconductor photocatalysts with potential applications in splitting of water, degradation of toxic contaminant, and solar cells are very important research topics in recent years. In this short review, recent progresses of the synthesis and photocatalytic properties of highly functional nanostructured photocatalysts are briefly summarized. The patents for fabricating semiconductor photocatalysts are introduced in the first part. In the second part, the patents to improve photocatalytic activities of nano/microstructured photocatalysts from soft chemical method and other routes are introduced. Finally, current and future developments on highly functional photocatalysts are reviewed.