Photocatalytic and Sensing Applications of Semiconductor Nanostructures

Semiconductor Nanostructures (SCNSs) are of great interest due to their excellent optical and electronic properties. As a result of their unique properties, semiconductor nanostructures have found applications in several fields, including optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, and sensing. SCNSs show promising prospects in photocatalytic and sensing applications. Photocatalytic application of SCNSs provides potential solutions for environmental remediation and energy generation. Several strategies have been developed to achieve high efficiency for photocatalytic processes using semiconductor nanostructures. Efforts have also been made to achieve high sensitivities in sensing applications using SCNSs. In the present chapter, the photocatalysis activity of semiconductor nanostructures has been discussed along with the photocatalytic mechanism and strategies for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. Several applications of semiconductor photocatalysis in wastewater treatment, hydrogen production, and air purification are cited in recent literature. The sensing applications of semiconductor nanostructures have also been discussed, including their use as chemical sensors, gas sensors, and biosensors.

Keywords: Biosensors, Fluorescence sensors, Gas sensors, Photocatalysts, Photocatalytic efficiency, Semiconductor nanostructures.