Lanthanide modified semiconductor photocatalysts

Abstract

Lanthanide ion modified semiconductor photocatalysts have been explored for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, dye molecules, for photo-splitting of water under both ultra-violet (UV) and visible light conditions. This review provides an in-depth analysis of lanthanide ion semiconductor photocatalysts with focus on titania based photocatalysts. The emphasis is on delineating the underlying factors responsible for the enhanced activities observed by several research groups and in providing guidance to researchers in this area.