Lai Y.-JLee D.-J.DUU-JONG LEE2022-03-222022-03-22202118761070https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85109084318&doi=10.1016%2fj.jtice.2021.05.049&partnerID=40&md5=6841bea788fe1481e304e266a5342e64https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/598156Background: The solid mediator Z-scheme heterojunctions are promising photocatalysts that have narrow band gaps to allow excitation of incorporated electrons under visible lights but with sufficient separation of the yielded electron hole-pairs and without suffering the reduction of their oxidization and reduction powers. Successful synthesis of mediator Z-scheme heterojunction acquires production of constituent semiconductors with desired Fermi levels and close contacts of the semiconductors with sandwiched metal mediator. Methods: This mini-review discussed briefly the principles of photocatalyst and heterojunction photocatalysts, and then the current research and development studies on the way to design and synthesis of Z-scheme heterojunction were summarized. Significant findings: Based on literature results, the perspectives to design and synthesis of a solid mediator Z-scheme for degrading specific pollutant were discussed and outlined. An illustrative example of design and synthesis of a novel Z-scheme photocatalyst, CuFe2O4/Cu/UiO66-NH2, with demonstration of its photodegradation performance of dye rhodamine 6 G, was presented at the end of the review. ? 2021 Taiwan Institute of Chemical EngineersDemonstrationHeterojunctionMechanismPhotocatalystSynthesisEnergy gapWater pollutionCuFe2O4Electron hole pairsNarrow band gapOxidizationPollutant oxidationResearch and developmentRhodamine 6GVisible lightHeterojunctions[SDGs]SDG6review10.1016/j.jtice.2021.05.0492-s2.0-85109084318