Emerging Electrochemical Catalysis on {001}-Facet and Defect-Engineered TiO2 for Water Purification

Abstract

Electrochemical water purification and pollutant monitoring have garnered significant attention due to their unique technical advantages. The pursuit of safe, efficient, and economically viable catalysts remains a critical priority. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a prototypical transition-metal oxide with substantial industrial importance, is widely recognized as a benchmark catalyst for photochemical reactions. However, its practical application is limited by restricted light absorption and rapid photocarrier recombination. Recently, TiO₂ has emerged as a promising candidate in electrochemical catalysis, particularly in the fields of energy and environmental science. Its atomic and electronic structures can be precisely engineered through advanced techniques such as nanoscale morphology control, polar-facet engineering, guest-metal doping, and structural-defect modulation. This review examines recent advancements in TiO₂-based electrochemical applications, with a focus on water purification and pollutant monitoring.