| Abstract Scope |
We report a new class of metal oxide nanostructures (Sn-, Cu-, and Ti-oxides) designed to enhance solar energy conversion through morphology engineering across dimensions (0D-3D: nanoparticles, nanorods, nanosheets, and nanoflowers). Morphological tailoring enabled fine-tuning of optoelectronic properties, improving light harvesting and free charge carrier density, which enhances their photocatalytic, photothermal, and photosensing performance under sunlight. These modifications aligned the band-edge potentials with key photocatalytic reactions, enabling efficient photo-oxidation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and solar-driven green hydrogen production via water splitting. Notably, morphology-induced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) generates photothermal effects with localized heating up to 39 °C, further enhancing catalytic activity through photo-thermo-catalytic synergy. Additionally, transient photocurrent measurements confirmed strong photoresponsiveness across the UV-NIR range, suggesting applicability as broad-spectrum photodetectors. This multifunctional performance highlights the potential of morphology engineering in metal oxides to drive advanced light-to-energy conversion processes in next-generation functional materials. |