What is the Role of Band Structure in Photocatalysis?
In photocatalysis, the band structure of the catalyst determines its ability to absorb light and generate electron-hole pairs. The band gap energy must be suitable for the absorption of visible light, and the positions of the conduction and valence bands must be aligned correctly to drive the desired redox reactions. Modifying the band structure through techniques like doping or creating heterojunctions can enhance the photocatalytic efficiency.