| Abstract Scope |
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are among the most extensively investigated semiconductor photocatalysts because of their excellent electron mobility, high exciton binding energy, low cost, and environmental compatibility. However, their relatively wide band gap and rapid electron–hole recombination significantly restrict visible-light photocatalytic performance. Recent advances demonstrate that engineering interfacial charge transfer provides one of the most effective strategies for overcoming these intrinsic limitations. Rational construction of semiconductor heterojunctions, Schottky junctions, Z-scheme and S-scheme systems, plasmonic interfaces, and carbon-mediated composites facilitates directional migration of photogenerated charge carriers while preserving strong redox potentials. Consequently, interfacial charge transfer has become the central design principle for high-performance ZnO photocatalysts. This mini-review critically discusses the mechanisms governing interfacial charge transfer in ZnO nanoparticles, recent advances in interface engineering, visible-light photocatalytic applications, current challenges, and future opportunities for next-generation photocatalytic systems. |