Photochemical splitting of water for hydrogen production by photocatalysis: A review

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 128; pp. 85 - 101
• Main Authors: Ismail, Adel A., Bahnemann, Detlef W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.09.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Charge; Chemistry; Electrochemistry; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; General and physical chemistry; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; Photochemistry; Photoelectrochemistry. Electrochemiluminescence; Physical chemistry of induced reactions (with radiations, particles and ultrasonics); Searching; Semiconductors; Solar energy; UV and visible illumination; Water splitting; UV and visible illumination; Water splitting; Photocatalysts; Hydrogen production; Water; Photoelectrochemistry; Oxygen; Semiconductor materials; Hydrogen; Photocatalysis; Micromachining; Charge separation; Review; Quantum yield; Ultraviolet radiation; Electronic structure; Solar energy; Visible radiation; Illumination; Catalyst
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2014.04.037

Hydrogen production from water using a catalyst and solar energy is an ideal future fuel source. The search for suitable semiconductors as photocatalysts for water splitting into molecular hydrogen and oxygen has been considered to be an urgent subject for our daily life. In this review, we aim to focus on the research efforts that have been made so far for H2 generation from water splitting by UV and visible light-driven photocatalysis. A number of synthetic modification methods for adapting the electronic structure to enhance the charge separation in the photocatalyst materials are discussed. Sacrificial reagents and electron mediators for the overall water splitting are also reviewed. The quantum efficiency of photocatalyst materials upon visible and UV illumination will be reviewed, summarized and discussed.