Silicon Photocatalytic Water-Treatment: Synthesis, Modifications, and Machine Learning Insights
Serikkanov A.S. Bakranov N.B. Idrissova T.K. Bakranova D.I. Boukhvalov D.W.
October 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Nanomaterials
2025#15Issue 19
Photocatalytic technologies based on silicon (Si-based) nanostructures offer a promising solution for water purification, hydrogen generation, and the conversion of CO2 into useful chemical compounds. This review systematizes the diversity of modern approaches to the synthesis and modification of Si-based photocatalysts, including chemical deposition, metal-associated etching, hydrothermal methods, and atomic layer deposition. Heterostructures, plasmonic effects, and co-catalysts that enhance photocatalytic activity are considered. Particular attention is drawn to the silicon doping of semiconductors, such as TiO2 and ZnO, to enhance their optical and electronic properties. The formation of heterostructures and the evaluation of their efficiency were discussed. Despite the high biocompatibility and availability of silicon, its photocorrosion and limited stability require the development of protective coatings and morphology optimization. The application of machine learning for predicting redox potentials and optimizing photocatalyst synthesis could offer new opportunities for increasing their efficiency. The review highlights the potential of Si-based materials for sustainable technologies and provides a roadmap for further research.
heterostructures , machine learning , photocatalytic water treatment , Si-based nanostructures , silicon doping
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National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Institute of Physics and Technology, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Research Group altAir Nanolab LLP, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Firma Balausa LLP, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, SDU University, Kaskelen, 040900, Kazakhstan
Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Institute of Physics and Technology
Research Group altAir Nanolab LLP
Firma Balausa LLP
Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences
Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry
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