Research summary
Engineered heterojunction photocatalysts spatially separate photogenerated electron-hole pairs and raise activity over single-semiconductor systems; the design principles cover band alignment, interface engineering and morphology selection [1]. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysis was systematized through nanostructure design, atomic-level doping, molecular-level modification and composite assembly to address the low charge-separation efficiency of pristine g-C3N4 [2]. Graphene-based semiconductor photocatalysts were reviewed across in situ growth, solution mixing and hydrothermal preparation routes, exploiting graphene's high conductivity, electron mobility and surface area to enhance environmental and energy applications [3]. A focused account on g-C3N4 heterostructures extended this analysis to interface-driven separation efficiency improvements [4]. Earth-abundant cocatalysts for photocatalytic water splitting were surveyed with emphasis on the often-neglected third step of the reaction, the H2 and O2 evolution catalysis, where noble-metal cocatalysts have historically dominated [5]. CdS-cluster-decorated graphene nanosheets prepared by a solvothermal route delivered visible-light photocatalytic H2 production at 1.12 mmol/h, about 4.87 times higher than pure CdS nanoparticles, optimized at 1.0 wt% graphene and 0.5 wt% Pt [6]. Combining a layered MoS2/graphene hybrid with TiO2 nanocrystals through a two-step hydrothermal process produced a noble-metal-free composite for H2 evolution from water splitting under solar irradiation [7]. All-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalytic systems were reviewed as a strategy to broaden absorption, raise charge-separation efficiency and preserve strong redox ability beyond what single-component photocatalysts can deliver [8].
Recent publications
- Heterojunction PhotocatalystsDOI
- Polymeric Photocatalysts Based on Graphitic Carbon NitrideDOI
- S-Scheme Heterojunction PhotocatalystDOI
- Graphene-based semiconductor photocatalystsDOI
- Ultrathin 2D/2D WO3/g-C3N4 step-scheme H2-production photocatalystDOI
- g鈥怌3N4鈥怋ased Heterostructured PhotocatalystsDOI
- Earth-abundant cocatalysts for semiconductor-based photocatalytic water splittingDOI
- Highly Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of CdS-Cluster-Decorated Graphene NanosheetsDOI
- Synergetic Effect of MoS2 and Graphene as Cocatalysts for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Production Activity of TiO2 NanoparticlesDOI
- All鈥怱olid鈥怱tate Z鈥怱cheme Photocatalytic SystemsDOI
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How to apply
Email Jiaguo Yu 6-12 months before your application deadline. Read several recent papers and reference specific work in your message. Use our how to email a Japanese professor guide for the proven email structure.
For applications via MEXT scholarship: see our MEXT 2027 complete guide and university-specific University Recommendation track.
External profiles
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0612-8633
- OpenAlex: openalex.org
Profile compiled from public sources (Researchmap, OpenAlex, Hiroshima University faculty directory). Last refreshed 2026-05. Report incorrect information.