Semiconductor @ sensitizer composites for enhanced photoinduced processes

This Chapter provides an overview of common procedures used for the preparation, characterization, and exploration of photocatalytic properties of composite materials based on inorganic semiconductors in combination with sensitizers, such as porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and related macrocyclic compounds as promoters of photoinduced processes. In this context the advantage of hybrid photocatalysts, obtained by impregnation of photosensitizers onto the surface of different semiconductors, designed for improving a choice of diverse reactions has been demonstrated, highlighting innovative aspects that contribute to better sustainability of the photocatalytic processes. Mechanistic details concerning the role of the semiconductor matrix and the sensitizer, as well as the influence of different process parameters, have also been discussed, with the final objective to justify the enhanced activity in view of more efficient employment of visible or solar light.