Multifunctional strontium titanate perovskite-based composite photocatalysts for energy conversion and other applications

The detrimental impact of human activity on the global ecological situation has resulted in the active exploration and development of alternative energy sources. Efficient solar energy utilization can significantly contribute to resolving the current energy crisis, because approximately 1.36 kW m −2 of solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface, and this can be used to satisfy the global energy requirements. Among various prevalent sunlight conversion technologies, photocatalytic materials are potentially useful for hydrogen production and other relevant applications. Existing technologies for the production and use of photocatalysts do not sufficiently address the target characteristics owing to the low solar conversion efficiency and service life in addition to high costs. However, recent advances in SrTiO 3 -based heterostructures indicate that photocatalysts can potentially compete with modern solar energy technologies in terms of their practical application. In this review, we systematically consider the advancement in the production and application of SrTiO 3 -based photocatalysts in various fields. The methods for obtaining complex heterostructures with different classes of nanomaterials are comprehensively discussed. The aim of this review is to highlight the advantages and limitations of using SrTiO 3 -based photocatalytic systems. Finally, the future prospects of using SrTiO 3 -based photocatalysts are considered from the perspective of their practical applications.