Recent advances in special morphologic photocatalysts for NOx removal

● Systematic information of recent progress in photocatalytic NO _x removal is provided. ● The photocatalysts with special morphologies are reviewed and discussed. ● The morphology and photocatalytic NO _x removal performance is related. The significant increase of NO_x concentration causes severe damages to environment and human health. Light-driven photocatalytic technique affords an ideal solution for the removal of NO_x at ambient conditions. To enhance the performance of NO_x removal, 1D, 2D and 3D photocatalysts have been constructed as the light absorption and the separation of charge carriers can be manipulated through controlling the morphology of the photocatalyst. Related works mainly focused on the construction and modification of special morphologic photocatalyst, including element doping, heterostructure constructing, crystal facet exposing, defect sites introducing and so on. Moreover, the excellent performance of the photocatalytic NO_x removal creates great awareness of the application, which has promising practical applications in NO_x removal by paint (removing NO_x indoor and outdoor) and pavement (degrading vehicle exhausts). For these considerations, recent advances in special morphologic photocatalysts for NO_x removal was summarized and commented in this review. The purpose is to provide insights into understanding the relationship between morphology and photocatalytic performance, meanwhile, to promote the application of photocatalytic technology in NO_x degradation.