Dynamic characterization for artificial photosynthesis through in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Mechanistic investigations of the underlying physiochemical fundamentals for artificial photosynthesis play the vital role of rationally designing photocatalyst advances. In situ spectroscopic measurements have been put specific attention to monitoring the charge behavior and surface photochemistry, great merits owing to the high selectivity for the chemical and electronic states of elements. In this review, we focus on the exemplified discussion about how to use in situ XPS with the synchronous light illumination for investigating the charge dynamic behavior as well as molecular evolution during the photochemical reaction process. We cordially anticipate that this powerful spectroscopic technique can provide more insightful contribution to the future study of solar-driven molecular transformation.