Comparative Evaluation of Light-Driven Catalysis: A Framework for Standardized Reporting of Data

Area of Science:

• Photocatalysis
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Light-driven catalysis involves complex processes: light absorption, charge separation, charge transfer, and catalytic turnover.
• Optical, irradiation, and reaction engineering parameters significantly influence catalytic performance.
• Comparing light-driven catalysts is challenging due to numerous variables, hindering objective performance assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical need for standardized experimental data collection and reporting in homogeneous and heterogeneous light-driven catalysis.
• To critically analyze the advantages and disadvantages of current experimental indicators used in the field.
• To propose a minimum dataset for consistent data recording and facilitate automated data analysis via FAIR principles.

Main Methods:

• Review and critical analysis of existing experimental indicators and methodologies.
• Discussion of data standardization principles, including FAIR data (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
• Proposal of a minimum dataset for light-driven catalysis experiments.

Main Results:

• Identification of challenges in objectively comparing light-driven catalysts due to inconsistent reporting.
• Evaluation of the limitations and benefits of commonly used experimental indicators.
• Development of a framework for unified data collection and reporting.

Conclusions:

• Standardized data collection and reporting are essential for advancing homogeneous and heterogeneous light-driven catalysis.
• A proposed minimum dataset and open repository can foster reproducibility and facilitate automated data analysis.
• Community engagement is encouraged to refine and adopt these data standards for future research.