Recent Advances in Photothermal Engineering of S‐Scheme Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production: A Critical Review

ABSTRACT

Effective solar energy conversion into sustainable fuels has been considered as a viable strategy to address the global energy crisis and environment problems. Among the newly developed photocatalytic technology, S‐scheme heterojunctions have drawn considerable attention owing to the efficient charge segregation and significant redox capability, which is beneficial for the further development of solar fuel production. Most recently, photothermal engineering has been applied to further enhance their performance by utilizing the thermal component in sunlight to accelerate charge transfer, minimize reaction energy barriers, and improve surface reaction kinetics. This review centres on recent progress in the development of photothermal S‐scheme photocatalysts for the generation of solar fuel. It includes evolution and mechanism of S‐scheme heterojunctions, fundamentals of photothermal catalysis and combined mechanisms of photothermal‐boosted charge transfer. Recent design strategies involving interface engineering, defect regulation, plasmonic materials, and carbon‐based photothermal components are also highlighted. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of these systems in hydrogen evolution and CO ₂ reduction is critically assessed. Lastly, future research paths and present problems are described to enable the logical creation of highly effective photothermal S‐scheme photocatalysts for practical solar fuel production.