Liquid Metals as Dynamic and Programmable Catalysts for Photocatalysis

ABSTRACT

Liquid metals (LMs) have recently emerged as a unique class of materials for photocatalysis, offering dynamic physicochemical properties that fundamentally differ from those of conventional solid catalysts. Their intrinsic fluidity, high electrical conductivity, and ability to spontaneously form semiconducting oxide shells enable the creation of adaptive metal‐semiconductor heterostructures that enhance light absorption, charge separation, and charge transport. In photocatalytic systems, LMs act not only as cocatalysts or supports but also as active electronic reservoirs, plasmonic light harvesters, and reactive platforms that direct the in situ formation and evolution of photoactive interfaces. This review summarizes recent advances in LM‐based photocatalysts, covering their fundamental properties, preparation strategies, and applications in greenhouse gas conversion, water splitting, pollutant degradation, and hybrid systems. Emphasis is placed on the mechanistic roles of LMs, including dynamic heterojunction formation, plasmonic hot‐carrier generation, and stimuli‐responsive interfacial reconfiguration under operating conditions. By highlighting emerging structure–activity relationships, this review outlines future opportunities for exploiting LMs as adaptive and electronically programmable platforms for solar energy conversion and environmental remediation.