Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ exhibits green afterglow at 520 nm lasting up to 30 hours, enabling prolonged catalytic activity after light cessation, which is critical for round-the-clock environmental remediation. • • Composite g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ achieves efficient plasmonic photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen evolution, with performance sustained in darkness, addressing the intermittency of solar irradiation. • • Z-scheme Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ composite film enables simultaneous degradation and hydrogen evolution, with reported efficiencies suitable for practical wastewater treatment and clean fuel generation. • • Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4 Z-scheme photocatalyst demonstrates high activity for organic pollutant degradation and hydrogen production, with performance metrics indicating potential for scale-up in industrial photoreactors.
Abstract
Long persistent luminescence materials (LPLMs) have demonstrated significant potential in photo- and electro-catalysis due to their unique capability of storing and controllably releasing photogenerated charge carriers. These materials offer innovative solutions for environmental remediation and sustainable energy technologies. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the application of LPLs in photo- and electro-catalysis, outlining their developmental history and underlying mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on their applications in organic pollutant degradation, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, design strategies and research frameworks for LPLs are discussed. The current limitations and challenges in this field are examined, and future research directions are proposed to facilitate the transition of LPLMs from fundamental research to practical applications in energy and the environment. Key materials such as SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ exhibit afterglow lasting up to 30 hours, enabling round-the-clock catalytic activity. Composite systems like g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ and Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ have achieved efficient degradation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution. Z-scheme heterojunctions, e.g., Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4, demonstrate enhanced performance. The review highlights the potential of LPLMs to overcome the limitation of intermittent light sources, providing a pathway for continuous catalytic processes.
1. Introduction
Long persistent luminescence materials (LPLMs) have historically been confined to niche applications such as safety signage and covert illumination. The first commercial systems, based on sulfides like ZnS:Cu, suffered from low brightness, short persistence, and instability against moisture and oxidation. Attempts to improve them using radioactive isotopes or protective coatings introduced safety hazards and did not resolve fundamental performance deficits. These limitations stymied broader adoption, particularly in energy and environmental catalysis, where continuous operation under variable light conditions is a critical bottleneck.
This review addresses the bottleneck by systematically analyzing recent advances that repurpose LPLMs as charge-carrier reservoirs for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. The unique trap levels in LPLMs allow storage of photogenerated electrons and holes, with controlled release extending catalytic activity into dark periods. This capability enables round-the-clock degradation of organic pollutants and sustained hydrogen evolution, overcoming the intermittency of solar irradiation. By examining design strategies such as heterojunction engineering and Z-scheme configurations, the review provides a framework for developing LPLM-based systems that meet industrial demands for efficiency, stability, and scalability.
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HUANG Haiyan, YANG Yarong, ZHAO Zhuoya, LIU Dingyi, WANG Xuan, WU Shuqi, QIN Yong, MIAO Jiaojiao (2026). Clean and Green: Harnessing Long Persistent Luminescence for Advanced Catalysis. Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5813(26)60692-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary failure mechanisms of LPLM-based photocatalysts under prolonged operational stress, and how do the cited materials mitigate them?
Primary failure mechanisms include photodegradation of the luminescent host, trap depletion, and surface poisoning by reaction intermediates. The cited materials, such as SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+, exhibit high chemical stability and deep trap levels that enable prolonged afterglow (up to 30 h). Heterojunction designs, e.g., g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4, facilitate charge separation and reduce recombination, while Z-scheme configurations like Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4 maintain redox potential and stability. However, long-term cycling data are limited; industrial deployment would require accelerated aging tests to quantify trap regeneration and material integrity.
How does the round-the-clock photocatalytic efficiency of LPLM composites compare with conventional photocatalysts under intermittent light, and what are the cost implications?
Conventional photocatalysts like TiO2 cease activity in darkness, whereas LPLM composites sustain reactions for hours after light cessation. For instance, Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4 achieves efficient degradation and hydrogen production in dark phases, with performance metrics indicating up to 80% of light-phase activity retained. Cost-wise, LPLMs are relatively inexpensive (e.g., SrAl2O4 is commercially produced), but the addition of noble metals (Au, Ag) increases cost. However, the ability to operate continuously may offset capital costs by increasing throughput and reducing downtime.
What are the scalability bottlenecks for LPLM-based photocatalytic systems in industrial wastewater treatment or solar fuel production?
Scalability bottlenecks include the need for uniform light distribution in large reactors, efficient mass transfer of pollutants to the catalyst surface, and recovery of catalyst particles. LPLM composites are often in powder form, requiring immobilization on supports or membranes. The cited Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4 composite film addresses this by providing a structured catalyst. Additionally, the afterglow intensity decays over time, so continuous operation may require periodic re-excitation, which could be achieved using solar concentrators or LED arrays. Energy efficiency and cost of re-excitation must be optimized.
Can LPLM-based systems achieve simultaneous degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen evolution without mutual interference?
Yes, Z-scheme heterojunctions like Cu|CuO/SrAl2O4 and Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+/Ag3PO4 have demonstrated simultaneous degradation and hydrogen evolution. The Z-scheme mechanism preserves high redox potentials, allowing electrons to reduce protons to H2 while holes oxidize organic pollutants. However, competition for charge carriers can reduce overall efficiency. Optimization of pollutant concentration and light intensity is necessary to balance the two processes. The cited studies report successful operation, but detailed kinetic analyses are required to quantify interference.
What are the regulatory and safety considerations for deploying LPLMs containing rare-earth elements in environmental applications?
Rare-earth elements like Eu and Dy are generally of low toxicity, but their extraction and disposal have environmental impacts. The materials must be encapsulated to prevent leaching of heavy metals into treated water. The cited composites often use stable oxide hosts (e.g., SrAl2O4) that are chemically inert. Regulatory compliance would require ecotoxicity testing and life-cycle assessments. Additionally, the use of noble metals (Ag, Au) may pose economic and environmental concerns, but their quantities are minimal. Overall, LPLMs are considered relatively safe, but full risk assessment is needed before large-scale deployment.
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