Present and Future of Phase-Selectively Disordered Blue TiO2 for Energy and Society Sustainability
Yongguang Luo, Hyoyoung Lee
Abstract
Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) has garnered attention for its promising photocatalytic activity, energy storage capability, low cost, high chemical stability, and nontoxicity. However, conventional TiO 2 has low energy harvesting efficiency and charge separation ability, though the recently developed black TiO 2 formed under high temperature or pressure has achieved elevated performance. The phase-selectively ordered/disordered blue TiO 2 (BTO), which has visible-light absorption and efficient exciton disassociation, can be formed under normal pressure and temperature (NPT) conditions. This perspective article first discusses TiO 2 materials development milestones and insights of the BTO structure and construction mechanism. Then, current applications of BTO and potential extensions are summarized and suggested, respectively, including hydrogen (H 2 ) production, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitrogen (N 2 ) reduction, pollutant degradation, microbial disinfection, and energy storage. Last, future research prospects are proposed for BTO to advance energy and environmental sustainability by exploiting different strategies and aspects. The unique NPT-synthesized BTO can offer more societally beneficial applications if its potential is fully explored by the research community.