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Organic semiconductors (OSCs) have the advantages of tunable molecular structures, suitable band gaps, and exceptional optoelectronic properties. The π–π stacking ability of OSCs also leads to appealing molecular stacking structure, function, and stability. So far, organic photocatalysts have engaged in homogeneous or heterogeneous photocatalysis in the form of free molecules, supported molecules, or nanostructures. Meanwhile, researches on organic photocatalysts have expanded from small organic molecules to the organic macromolecules, as well as their various nanostructures and nanocomposites including isolated zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures, and their combinations. Therefore, many versatile strategies have been explored to improve photocatalytic ability and practicality either from molecular synthetic modification, crystal, or interface engineering. In this review, we first discuss the photophysical and photochemical processes of organic photocatalysts that govern the ultimate photocatalytic efficiency; we then summarize different forms of organic photocatalysts, their rational design strategies, and mechanistic pathways, as well as their applications in H2 evolution, CO2 reduction, and environmental purification, aiming to highlight the structure/property relationships; we lastly propose ongoing directions and challenges for future development of organic photocatalysts in real use.

Publication history
Copyright
Acknowledgements

Publication history

Received: 16 September 2021
Revised: 15 November 2021
Accepted: 25 December 2021
Published: 08 February 2022
Issue date: May 2022

Copyright

© Tsinghua University Press 2022

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge funding from Scientific and Technological Innovation Foundation of Shunde Graduate School, USTB (Nos. BK19AE027 and BK20BE022).

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