Anisotropy of Photocatalytic Properties in Nanostructured Photocatalysts

Energy band engineering and the nature of surface/interface of a semiconductor play a significant role in searching high efficiency photocatalysts. Actually, the active facets, morphology controlling, especially the exposed facets modulation of photocatalysts during preparation are very desirable. In order to achieve high photocatalytic performance, intrinsic mechanism of such anisotropic properties should be fully considered. In this review, we mainly emphasis on the latest research developments of several extensively investigated photocatalysts and their anisotropic photocatalytic properties, as well as the correlation between effective masses anisotropy and photocatalytic properties. It will be helpful to understand the photocatalytic mechanism and promote rational development of photocatalyst for wide applications.