Metal cluster-mediated photocatalysis: synthesis, characterization and application

The escalation of global energy crises and environmental degradation has intensified the focus on photocatalytic technology, which harnesses solar energy for direct chemical reactions in a green manner. Metal clusters serve as multifunctional components in photocatalytic systems, with their unique properties (such as dimensions, composition, and surface modification) offering a plethora of regulatory mechanisms for designing innovative and efficient cluster-based photocatalysts. These improvements enhance light absorption, charge separation, and catalytic activity. This comprehensive review explores the fundamental principles and applications of photocatalytic technology, emphasizing the role of metal cluster materials in advancing this field. The synthetic methodologies, especially AI-assisted synthesis, characterization techniques, and modification strategies of metal cluster materials are introduced in detail, highlighting their significance in enhancing photocatalytic performance. The applications of metal clusters in various photocatalytic processes are also discussed, including water splitting, CO₂ reduction, N₂ fixation, pollutant degradation, H₂O₂ generation and selective organic synthesis, showcasing their potential in environmental remediation and energy transformation. Finally, the review concludes with an outlook on future research directions, emphasizing the need for innovating synthesis methods, developing advanced characterizations techniques, and optimizing catalytic performance to address existing challenges and unlock the full potential of cluster-based photocatalysts.