TiO2-based photocatalytic hydrogen production: How to transfer it to an applicable approach?

Abstract

Global industrial development and increased energy demand are key contributors to the rise in CO2 emissions and global climate change. It is therefore necessary to build a sustainable energy infrastructure that would be based on hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Herein, we first introduce the different methods for H2 generation, including photocatalysis with TiO2 as one of the most widely used photocatalysts. The various processes occurring on irradiated TiO2 and their contribution to photocatalytic H2 efficiency are discussed. The next part deals with the best techniques for material engineering, including self-doping, loading with co-catalysts, doping with metals and non-metals, and heterojunction structures. The last part displays the effects of external conditions that positively influence photocatalytic H2 production, especially thermo- and mechanically-assisted photocatalysis. As part of this special issue, this mini-review summarizes most of the investigations carried out in this field by the groups led by Prof. Bahnemann.