A Comprehensive Study on Methods and Materials for Photocatalytic Water Splitting and Hydrogen Production as a Renewable Energy Resource

Abstract

High energy consumption, rapid increase in its demand and depletion of energy resources in the world are compelling the researchers for exploration of renewable energy resources in order to attain sustain development of nations. Many existing resources are being used to fulfil the current requirements. But these existing resources are also causing serious environmental pollution which is a very serious concern of the current era. Therefore, there is an immense need to think and produce environment friendly and sustainable renewable energy resources. Water, being abundant on Earth, is one of the most suitable sources of hydrogen energy. In this work the splitting of water and hydrogen production by different techniques, specially the promising photocatalysis technique, are discussed in detail. The water splitting and hydrogen production depend upon the properties of photocatalysts which rose from the nature, composition and other factors of photocatalysts. Therefore, this study discussed different materials like metal oxides, metal sulphides, nanocomposites, etc. which are used for photocatalytic hydrogen production. In addition, the pros and cons of the utilized materials are discussed to select the best class of materials for hydrogen production from water splitting. This review will help the beginners of this field to understand the basic mechanisms of different hydrogen production techniques along with their advantages and disadvantages. However, it will also help the field experts and industrialists to select the best class of materials for hydrogen evolution from water splitting.