Recent Developments in (Oxy)nitride Photocatalysts With Narrow Bandgaps for Solar-driven Water Splitting

Abstract

Water (H2O) splitting based on particulate photocatalysts is one of the most desirable approaches to directly convert solar energy into clean and renewable hydrogen energy. To achieve high solar energy conversion efficiency, photocatalysts must respond to visible light with longer wavelengths that comprise the majority of sunlight. (Oxy)nitride materials, a class of the most promising photocatalysts for water splitting owing to their narrow band gaps and proper band energy potentials, have experienced intensive exploration, and achieved encouraging progress over the past two decades. The solar-to-hydrogen (STH) energy conversion efficiency of (oxy)nitrides has been significantly improved but is still far from the theoretical value. How to better design and modify these materials to enhance their photocatalytic performance is extremely interesting and important. In this chapter, we present a summary of recent developments in (oxy)nitride photocatalysts for solar-driven water splitting, whilst focusing on important strategies for the enhancement of their photocatalytic activities.