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In the current energy crisis, converting solar-thermal energy into chemical forms has become paramount. Within the broad spectrum of light-mediated catalysis, which includes heat and photocatalysis (relevant to processes like organic transformations, water splitting, and CO2 reduction), photothermal catalysis is a critical avenue for transforming solar energy into chemical or thermal forms via light-matter interactions. However, challenges persist, notably in conventional semiconductor photocatalysts. These challenges encompass the suboptimal harnessing of solar radiation, electron-hole pair recombination, limited exposure of reactive sites, and the complex endeavor of establishing the structure-activity relationship. This state-of-the-art review sharply focuses on photothermal catalytic materials associated with water splitting, CO2 conversion, and the breakdown of organic contaminants. Distinctively, it provides a profound experimental and theoretical insight into the application of various materials in photothermal catalysis, representing a pioneering consolidation. Furthermore, the article delves deep into the barriers to commercialization, offering a robust discussion of the inherent challenges and their prospective remedies. Our findings underscore that enhancing catalytic efficiency is achievable through strategic structural, surface, and compositional modifications. Techniques such as doping, the formation of heterojunctions using Z- and S- schemes, multi-metal incorporation, and the synergistic application of materials prove beneficial. Equally pivotal is the introduction of supporting materials to curb agglomeration, the incorporation of porosity, and the design of varied 3D structures. Collectively, these innovative approaches enhance surface area, modulate band gaps, widen light absorption capacity, minimize charge recombination, and, consequently, pave the way for the evolution of optimal catalysts suited for photothermal applications. In the quest to address energy challenges, this comprehensive review delves into the pivotal role of photothermal catalysis in converting solar-thermal energy into valuable chemical forms. Highlighting the inherent limitations of conventional semiconductor photocatalysts, it presents a synthesis of advanced materials tailored for water splitting, CO2 conversion, and organic contaminant decomposition. Through in-depth analysis, the paper underscores innovative techniques like doping, heterojunction formation, and multi-metal incorporation. By emphasizing strategic structural and compositional modifications, the review offers insights into the roadmap for optimizing photothermal catalytic efficiency and paves the way for future commercialization. [Display omitted] • Delivers groundbreaking insights into materials for photothermal catalysis including water splitting and pollution reduction. • Provides solutions to commercialization issues including solar radiation harnessing and recombination reduction. • Shows efficiency gains through structural modifications, doping, and heterojunctions. • Emphasizes techniques like material synergy and 3D structuring to enhance catalyst performance. • Details optimization strategies for photothermal catalysts, aiming at sustainable energy and environmental solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current editorial summarized some of the scientific works presented in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP) conference-held at the University of the West of Scotland, UK, 2018. The selected work was directly related to the scope of the Renewable, Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) journal. During the conference activities, experts from all around the world in the subjects of: renewable energy, climate change, optimization, and economics presented and discussed the progress made in renewable energy sources, as well as the new strategies for protecting the environment from the hazards connected with fossil fuel utilization. The methods presented in the conference focused on several directions: the development of efficient energy conversion systems with low/no environmental impacts; the suggested policies to widespread renewable energies; the restriction in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the recent progresses in CO 2 capture. This editorial focused on the renewable energy developments and their positive effect on the climate change, and briefly summarized the accepted manuscripts in this issue. • Effects of renewable energy on climate change. • Background on the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP. • Summary of selected papers of SEEP 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current editorial summarized some of the scientific works presented in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP) conference-held at the University of the West of Scotland, UK, 2018. The selected work was directly related to the scope of the Renewable, Sustainable Energy Reviews (RSER) journal. During the conference activities, experts from all around the world in the subjects of: renewable energy, climate change, optimization, and economics presented and discussed the progress made in renewable energy sources, as well as the new strategies for protecting the environment from the hazards connected with fossil fuel utilization. The methods presented in the conference focused on several directions: the development of efficient energy conversion systems with low/no environmental impacts; the suggested policies to widespread renewable energies; the restriction in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the recent progresses in CO 2 capture. This editorial focused on the renewable energy developments and their positive effect on the climate change, and briefly summarized the accepted manuscripts in this issue. • Effects of renewable energy on climate change. • Background on the International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection SEEP. • Summary of selected papers of SEEP 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence pathways of financial development on environmental quality is necessary for policy makers in China to improve the quality of the environment through financial means; however, these points have not been systematically discussed in the literature. Therefore, to fill this gap and depict these indirect influence pathways in regions with different financial development levels, this paper categorizes the Chinese provinces based on their financial development levels and a panel smooth transition regression model is used to analyze province-level data in China over the period from 2001 to 2017. The different indirect impacts of financial development on environmental quality through the pathways under different financial development levels are identified and the transformation speed of the intensity of these impacts can be determined. The results indicate that (1) financial development has significant indirect impacts on environmental pollution through various pathways, and the impacts of these pathways are different in the various regions with low or high levels of financial development. (2) In the regions with poor financial development, insufficient financial development could indirectly result in environmental contamination through the pathways that involve stimulating economic growth and promoting the development of secondary and tertiary industries. (3) In regions with relatively high levels of financial development, financial development has mixed effects on environmental pollution, i.e., improving environmental quality by promoting technological innovation and attracting foreign direct investment and decreasing environmental quality by supporting secondary and tertiary industries. Local governments should consider the different characteristics of regional financial development when formulating environmental protection policies. [Display omitted] • Influence pathways of financial development on environmental quality are discussed. • PSTR models with provincial data from 2001 to 2017 in China are employed. • Provinces are divided into different regimes based on financial development level. • Financial development decreases environmental quality by promoting economic growth. • Financial development increases environmental quality by supporting innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]