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Photocatalytic oxidation technology can mineralize hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but the poor photocatalytic oxidation activity limits its practical application. Here we develop Cu‐doped WO3 electrospun nanofibers through a non‐equivalent doping strategy. The Cu dopant prefers substituting five‐coordinated W atoms atop the WO3 matrix, inducing strong dopant/matrix interaction (SDMI) effect and prominent charge rearrangement. A localized electric field (LEF) forms pointing from positively charged WO3 matrix to negatively charged Cu dopant, which triggers efficient photoexcited charge separation. Further, the Cu dopant promoted the production of ⋅OH radicals and thereby enhanced VOCs photodegradation. The 0.7 % Cu‐doped WO3 nanofibers show optimal photocatalytic oxidation performance towards formaldehyde and acetone, 5.5 and 4.8 times higher than pristine WO3 nanofibers, respectively. This work highlights the role of dopant‐induced LEF on the charge carriers separation and might shed light on developing more efficient photocatalysts with non‐equivalent dopants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate Mn-doped CeO 2 nanoribbons as photocatalysts to address the issue of performance enhancement in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal. Our primary focus centers on elucidating the interplay between charge rearrangement and local electric field (LEF) effects to uncover how these key factors collectively contribute to the improved photocatalytic performance. The successful doping of Mn atoms into the CeO 2 lattice resulted in a strong dopant/matrix interaction effect. In situ XPS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed significant local charge rearrangement due to the dopant-induced local electric field, promoting charge carrier separation. The Mn dopant facilitated the generation of superoxide and hydroxide radicals. DFT simulations showed that Mn doping promoted VOCs adsorption on CeO 2 , favoring the subsequent oxidation process. The Mn-doped CeO 2 nanoribbons achieved enhanced photodegradation performance of HCHO and CH 3 COCH 3 compared to CeO 2. This work aims to provide guidance and insights for the development of advanced photocatalysts. [Display omitted] • Electron rearrangement occurs around Mn dopant owing to the strong dopant/matrix interaction. • A localized electric field (LEF) is present with direction pointing from Mn dopant to CeO 2 matrix. • Efficient charge separation and transfer are achieved owing to the LEF. • Mn doping leads to improved photodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electron rearrangement occurs around Co dopant owing to the strong dopant/matrix interaction. • Localized electric field is present with direction pointing from Co dopant to WO 3 matrix. • Efficient charge separation and transfer are achieved owing to the LEF. • Co dopants activate oxygen with favorable production of O 2 – radicals for VOCs oxidation. Exploring efficient photocatalysts for degrading hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is gaining increasing popularity. Herein, we developed Co-doped WO 3 nanofibrous photocatalysts by incorporating Co dopant into the WO 3 lattice, where hexavalent W(VI) is replaced with divalent Co(II). This heterovalent substitution causes significant charge rearrangement around the Co dopant, resulting in a localized electric field (LEF) that enhances oxygen adsorption and activation. Such an electric field drives photoexcited electrons to gather at the Co dopant, thereby achieving spatial charge separation. Both the efficient oxygen activation and LEF forming contribute to the production of superoxide radicals. The Co0.8-WO 3 nanofibers demonstrated improved photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous HCHO and CH 3 COCH 3 compared to WO 3. This study highlights the significant promotion of dopant-induced oxygen adsorption and LEF-induced efficient carrier separation. These findings offer a new direction for developing more efficient photocatalysts using unique doping approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]