Electroanalysis as a method for monitoring photocatalytic processes: A perspective beyond remediation

Abstract

The advancement of photocatalytic technologies requires complete system efficiency, and to this end, electrochemical sensors have the potential to complement and enhance the development of semiconductor catalyst and reactor design. A particular advantage of electroanalysis is that the sensors may be incorporated directly into photocatalytic reactors to allow real-time in situ analysis. This can then facilitate more accurate process control in the photocatalytic reactor. This report highlights the use of electroanalysis to monitor photocatalytic processes, considering applications where it has been used to date. Relevant properties of the sensors, with particular interest on sensitivity and response times are detailed alongside comparison to the more commonly used analytical techniques. It also explores the most recent progressions beyond monitoring photocatalytic remediation processes including photocatalytic valorization and reactive oxygen species monitoring.