Work

Is It Real Type‐II or S‐Scheme? A Three‐Phase Diagnostic Protocol for Identifying Potentially Mislabeled Heterojunction Photocatalysts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The absence of standardized diagnostic protocols has fostered widespread mechanistic uncertainty in heterojunction photocatalysis, with numerous Type‐II claims lacking conclusive interfacial and kinetic evidence. In response, I propose a three‐phase, seven‐step diagnostic framework structured as an evidence hierarchy: Phase I (Steps 1–3) establishes foundational band alignment, Phase II (Steps 4–5) probes the interfacial electronic structure, and Phase III (Steps 6–7) validates dynamic charge‐transfer pathways. An evaluation of 30 purported Type‐II systems reveals a critical validation gap: only 3.3% (1/30) achieves full validation, leaving 10.0% (3/30) characterized as thermodynamic paradoxes (electrical sign‐reversals) and 86.7% (26/30) in a pervasive evidence vacuum (stalling at foundational alignment). This protocol is offered as a diagnostic tool to help the field move from heuristic assignment toward more evidence‐based rational design of photocatalysts.

Source: Advanced Functional Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.76570

Author: Ki‐Hyun Kim

Institution: Hanyang University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790

Funder: National Research Foundation of Korea