Flexible photocatalytic materials: From substrate engineering to multi‐field synergistic enhancement
Abstract
Flexible photocatalysis has emerged as a transformative paradigm addressing the inherent limitations of conventional powder‐based systems, including difficult catalyst recovery, limited light utilization, and poor integration with practical reactors. This review systematically examines recent progress in flexible photocatalytic materials, encompassing the evolution of flexible substrates, from polymer films to carbon‐based materials, fiber textiles, metal substrates, and biomass‐derived platforms, and their associated construction methodologies such as in situ growth, coating, electrospinning, and template‐assisted fabrication. Key performance metrics uniquely relevant to flexible systems are comprehensively presented, including mechanical indicators and optoelectrochemical retention under deformation. Subsequently, various strategies for enhancing the performance of flexible photocatalysis are critically discussed. Finally, diverse applications in energy conversion, environmental remediation, and biomedical protection are summarized, alongside critical perspectives on future challenges and opportunities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the rational design and practical deployment of flexible photocatalytic systems.