Earth-Abundant Ni-Based Cocatalysts for Advanced Photocatalytic Applications

As an important approach for using solar energy to promote chemical reactions, photocatalysis technology holds broad application prospects in energy and environmental fields. Ni-based cocatalysts have demonstrated unique research value in photocatalysis due to their advantages of low cost, abundant reserves, rich active sites, and tunable electronic structures. In this review, the important functions of Ni-based cocatalysts are summarized from three dimensions of activity, selectivity, and stability. Specifically, they have four key roles in photocatalytic reactions: charge transport facilitation, active site provision, selectivity optimization, and stability improvement. Additionally, the applications of seven representative Ni-based cocatalysts in photocatalysis, including Ni single-atom, Ni-based alloys, Ni phosphide, Ni sulfide, Ni hydroxide, Ni-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and Ni-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are summarized. Besides, this review focuses on the latest research progress and effective modification strategies of these Ni-based cocatalysts in the field of photocatalysis. This review aims to provide valuable insights and references for constructing efficient composite photocatalysts using earth-abundant Ni-based cocatalysts.