Editorial: Special issue on photocatalysis and photoelectrolysis

Catalysis continues to provide many answers to the problems facing society today. Indeed catalysis has been central to providing access to materials necessary for the well-being of society that without it life would be demonstrably different and, indeed, much poorer for many. At this time two key issues are dominant in many people’s minds. These are the care of the environment and energy. It is against this background that we have commissioned this special issue of J. Catal. on “Photocatalysis and Photoelectrocatalysis”. We have put together an issue that provides insights into how photocatalysed processes can address environmental protection issues as well as renewable energy. In addition, several of the papers focus on fundamental understanding of photocatalysis that we consider will aid new developments in this important topic. Taken as a whole this special issue gives the reader a real representation of the current state of this emerging field of catalysis