Nanomaterials For Hydrogen Generation: A Review

Abstract

Hydrogen is proving its potential as most appealing and eco friendly energy fuels. Theorganic reforming based nano-sized composites and nanocatalyst for photocatalytic water splitting applications are attracting growing interest in the prospect of hydrogen generation from solar energy with minimal environmental impact. Because of the higher surface area and sizedependent features, such as increased absorption coefficient,reduced carrier-scattering rate and increased band-gap energy, the nano- semiconductors have potential advantages in PEC applications when compared to bulk materials. Despite recent research in producing materials having high specific photoactivity, the conversion efficiencies from solar-to-hydrogen are still far from achieving the basic requirements for actual solar applications, according to a literature review. The paper begins by providing an overview of the conventional hydrogen generation techniques. This paper also examines current advances and challenges in water splitting methods based on Photo Electro Chemistry based nanomaterials and various ways for improving hydrogen evolution.