Synthesis and Applications of TiO2‐based Nanostructures as Photocatalytic Materials.

TiO2 photocatalysis, as an energy‐saving, high‐efficiency and green technology, has a wide range of applications in sewage treatment, cancer treatment, hydrogen production, photocatalytic CO2 reduction and photocatalytic sensors. However, the large band width (Eg=3.2 eV) of TiO2 material hinders its practical application, which in turn leads to low visible‐light utilization and low quantum yield. Therefore, the preparation of TiO2 with high quantum yield and fast response to visible light has become a key topic in current photocatalyst research. This review discusses different photocatalytic applications, current synthetic techniques for the elaboration of nanostructures of several TiO2‐based materials and recent advances in enhancing visible photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]