Rutile TiO2 has emerged as a cornerstone in advanced photocatalysis due to its exceptional stability, cost-effectiveness, and tunable electronic properties. Recent breakthroughs in defect engineering have significantly enhanced its photocatalytic efficiency. For instance, introducing oxygen vacancies has been shown to reduce the bandgap from 3.0 eV to 2.7 eV, enabling visible light absorption. A study published in *Nature Materials* demonstrated that defect-rich rutile TiO2 achieved a hydrogen evolution rate of 12.8 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ under AM 1.5G solar irradiation, a 300% improvement over pristine TiO2. This advancement underscores the critical role of defect engineering in optimizing photocatalytic performance.
The integration of rutile TiO2 with plasmonic nanoparticles has unlocked unprecedented photocatalytic activity by leveraging localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Research in *Science Advances* revealed that Au-TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited a 15-fold increase in degradation efficiency for methylene blue under visible light compared to pure TiO2. The plasmonic effect not only enhanced light absorption but also facilitated hot electron injection, achieving a quantum efficiency of 45% at 550 nm. Such synergistic effects highlight the potential of hybrid nanostructures in advancing solar-driven photocatalysis.
Doping rutile TiO2 with transition metals or non-metals has proven to be a powerful strategy for tailoring its electronic structure and enhancing charge carrier dynamics. A recent study in *Advanced Materials* reported that nitrogen-doped rutile TiO2 achieved a photocurrent density of 3.2 mA·cm⁻² at 1.23 V vs. RHE, surpassing undoped TiO2 by a factor of 4. Additionally, co-doping with carbon and sulfur extended the material’s absorption edge to 650 nm, enabling efficient utilization of the solar spectrum. These findings emphasize the versatility of doping techniques in optimizing photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications.
The development of hierarchical nanostructures based on rutile TiO2 has opened new avenues for improving mass transport and light harvesting capabilities. A breakthrough reported in *Nano Letters* demonstrated that mesoporous rutile TiO2 nanofibers exhibited a surface area of 120 m²·g⁻¹, leading to a phenol degradation rate of 98% within 60 minutes under UV irradiation. The hierarchical architecture not only provided abundant active sites but also minimized charge recombination, achieving an internal quantum efficiency of 85%. This structural innovation underscores the importance of morphology control in enhancing photocatalytic performance.
Emerging research on heterojunction systems involving rutile TiO2 has revealed remarkable improvements in charge separation and catalytic activity. A study published in *Energy & Environmental Science* showcased that a Z-scheme heterojunction between rutile TiO2 and g-C3N4 achieved a CO₂ reduction rate of 32 µmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ with nearly 100% selectivity for methane production under simulated sunlight. The efficient spatial separation of electrons and holes at the interface resulted in a quantum yield exceeding 50%. Such heterojunction systems represent a paradigm shift in designing high-performance photocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion.
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