Polymer Photocatalysts for Green Energy and Environmental Remediation: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions

Photocatalysis is a promising, eco-friendly technology that addresses environmental degradation and the growing energy demand resulting from reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing solar energy, photocatalysis facilitates redox processes that enable the dual functions of degrading pollutants and generating clean fuels. Despite its potential applications, challenges such as photocatalytic efficiency, product selectivity, and scalable production methods for polymer- and graphene-based photocatalysts remain under-researched. This review focuses on enhancing polymer-based photocatalytic systems for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. It highlights strategies for improving photocatalytic efficiency and selectivity, alongside scalable manufacturing techniques and the integration of interdisciplinary approaches. Key technologies being advanced include photoelectrochemical water splitting, which converts solar energy into hydrogen, and the photo-reforming of waste materials, such as plastics and biomass, to generate organic molecules. Furthermore, the review discusses the properties of graphene and its derivatives for applications in solar water splitting and CO 2 photoreduction, noting existing issues with efficiency and product selectivity. Three main approaches for transforming solar energy into valuable organic compounds and sustainable hydrogen fuel are examined: photoelectrochemical water splitting, the photo-reforming of waste plastics and biomass, and organic photovoltaics utilizing perovskite solar cells. The study concludes by outlining recent advancements, acknowledging ongoing challenges, and proposing potential future directions for polymer-based photocatalysis in promoting sustainable energy practices and environmental solutions.