Hydrogen generation at irradiated oxide semiconductor–solution interfaces

Abstract

This review focuses on the use of inorganic oxide semiconductors for the photoassisted generation of hydrogen from water. Representative studies spanning approximately three decades are included in this review. The topics covered include a discussion of the types of water photosplitting approaches, an ideal photoelectrolysis system, an examination of why oxide semiconductors are attractive for this application, a review of both classical and more recent studies on titanium dioxide, tungsten trioxide, and other binary metal oxides, perovskites and other ternary oxides, tantalates and niobates, miscellaneous multinary oxides, semiconductor alloys and mixed semiconductor composites, and twin-photosystem configurations for water splitting.