Recent advances in copper kesterite thin film photocathodes for hydrogen production via water splitting: A review

Abstract

The increasing scarcity of fossil fuels has made it crucial to investigate alternative, clean, and renewable power sources. Hydrogen, the simplest element on the planet can act as an energy carrier and can be a promising solution for this quest of carbon-free energy alternates. The practical implementation of cost-effective, efficient, and stable production of hydrogen fuel from water presents a significant challenge. Researchers around the globe have been actively exploring photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting methods for large-scale commercialization of hydrogen production through solar-driven processes. Among these methods, the use of semiconductor photoelectrodes (PEs) is considered highly efficient. In this review, of the effectiveness and stability of the PEs, we describe the recent progress of copper-based chalcogenides for hydrogen generation by water splitting using solar energy. It is anticipated that this report will provide insightful guidance to study the low-cost materials for solar to chemical fuel energy conversion.