Recent progress on the magnetic field assisted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Photocatalysis is an effective way to convert solar energy to chemical energy. Recently, integrating magnetic field into a photocatalytic system has been found effective to improve the photocatalytic performance by inhibiting the charge recombination. In spite of its great promise, such magnetic field assisted photocatalysis is still in its infancy stage, and there is a lack of in-depth understanding on the reaction mechanism and principles for the rational design of photocatalysts. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the magnetic field assisted photocatalysis. The origin of magnetism is firstly discussed for better understanding on the mechanism of magnetic field assisted photocatalysis. The effect of magnetic field on photocatalysis in the ways of electron spin polarization, negative magnetoresistance (MR) effect and Lorentz force is then discussed. Finally, perspectives and challenges of the further development of magnetic field assisted photocatalysis are also discussed.