Water Splitting For Hydrogen Production Research Articles

Polyaniline as a solid-state charge conductor for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production and value-added disulfide synthesis

Efficient transfer and maximal utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes in photocatalytic processes, along with the simultaneous production of hydrogen and high-value chemicals, represent a promising approach for effective solar energy utilization. Herein, polyaniline (PANI) was employed as a charge conductor to enhance the heterojunction structure between g-C3N4 and CdS, thereby facilitating the efficient interfacial transfer of photogenerated carriers. The obtained composite has demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic performance in both water splitting for hydrogen production and the dehydrogenation coupling of thiols. The hydrogen evolution efficiency of g-C3N4-PANI-CdS composite in water splitting is 41.67 times higher than that of the original g-C3N4. Additionally, the sample exhibits efficient splitting and re-polymerization capabilities for 4-methoxythiophenol (4-MTP), achieving the efficient hydrogen production and bis (4-methoxyphenyl) disulfide (4-MPD) synthesis concurrently. Comprehensive characterization methods confirm that PANI acts as a highly conductive layer, accelerating rapid charge transfer and separation at the interface between g-C3N4 and CdS, significantly improving the utilization of surface active sites. This study provides valuable insights for the future advancements in photocatalytic hydrogen generation and disulfides synthesis.

Developing an online composition prediction for an HI–I2–H2O system using deep neural network

We developed a deep neural network (DNN) method to predict the composition of the HI–I2–H2O system in the iodine–sulfur (IS) process of thermochemical water-splitting hydrogen production using measurable properties. Unlike conventional titration analysis, this approach allows for a quick understanding of fluid composition, providing essential information for controlling operating conditions. This study focused on the HI–I2–H2O three-component system within the IS process. Gibbs’ phase rule was used to construct the DNN model using online measurement parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and density, as input conditions. The model was trained with experimental data, and the structural parameters were tuned. Composition prediction using actual trend data correlated well with titration analysis measurements. The local interpretable model-agnostic explanations method was incorporated to acquire insights into the significance of input parameters for compositions from the DNN model, providing valuable information on crucial parameters for effective composition control.

Ag-doped SrTiO3: Enhanced water splitting for hydrogen production

This study investigates the effect of Ag-doping on the (001) surface of SrTiO3 (STO) to enhance hydrogen production via water-splitting employing density functional theory (DFT) simulations. It was found that the heterolytic water dissociation on Ag-doped (001)-STO occurs via a first-order reaction with an energy barrier of 5.74 kJ/mol, representing a reduction of 94% compared to undoped (001)-STO. The Gibbs free energy of H2 formation catalyzed by Ag-doped (001)-STO is approximately −302 kJ/mol, indicating the spontaneity of this process. Additionally, the surface band gap energy decreases by ∼2 eV after water-splitting, suggesting charge transfer from the Ag-doped STO to the water and leading to new electron-hole recombination states. This research underscores the potential of Ag-doping in enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production through water-splitting, contributing to the development of greener and more efficient energy technologies.

Electronic Structure Modification of MnO2 Nanosheet Arrays with Enhanced Water Oxidation Activity and Stability by Nitrogen Plasma.

The strategic design of catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial in tackling the substantial energy demands associated with hydrogen production in electrolytic water splitting. Despite extensive research on birnessite (δ-MnO2) manganese oxides to enhance catalytic activity by modulating Mn3+ species, the ongoing challenge is to simultaneously stabilize Mn3+ while improving overall activity. Herein, oxygen (O) vacancies and nitrogen (N) doping have been simultaneously introduced into the MnO2 through a simple nitrogen plasma approach, resulting in efficient OER performance. The optimized N-MnO2v electrocatalyst exhibits outstanding OER activity in alkaline electrolyte, reducing the overpotential by nearly 160 mV compared to pure pristine MnO2 (from 476 to 312 mV) at 10 mA cm-2, and a small Tafel slope of 89 mV dec-1. Moreover, it demonstrates excellent durability over a 122 h stability test. The introduction of O vacancies and incorporation of N not only fine-tune the electronic structure of MnO2, increasing the Mn3+ content to enhance overall activity, but also play a crucial role in stabilizing Mn3+, thereby leading to exceptional stability over time. Subsequently, density functional theory calculations validate the optimized electronic structure of MnO2 achieved through the two engineering methods, effectively lowering the intermediate adsorption free energy barrier. Our synergistic approach, utilizing nitrogen plasma treatment, opens a pathway to concurrently enhance the activity and stability of OER electrocatalysts, applicable not only to Mn-based but also to other transition metal oxides.

Radiation-catalytic activity of zirconium surface during water splitting for hydrogen production

Zirconium was treated with different doses (10–400 kGy) of radiation; leading to the surface oxide formation. High doses of radiation (D ≥ 120 kGy) led formation of a stable protective surface oxide phase with low water splitting ability. However, higher doses (D ≥ 400 kGy) led to catastrophic oxidation of zirconium. In the thermal process, the values of G (H2) and W(H2) for ZrO2 were 1.18 molecules/100 eV and 2.24 molecules/g. These values for ZrZrO2 were 2.22 molecules/100 eV and 2.36 molecules/g. In the radiation-thermal process, the values of G (H2) and W(H2) for ZrO2 were 2.30 molecules/100 eV and 4.42 molecules/g. These values for ZrZrO2 were 5.58 molecules/100 eV and 4.95 molecules/g. It was observed that hydrogen production was greater in the radiation-thermal process than in the thermal process only. Similarly, the hydrogen production was greater with ZrZrO2 in comparison to ZrO2. The present research is useful in nuclear reactors with zirconium having oxide layers and as a future hydrogen production method by water splitting.

Vertically aligned ReS2 on MOF deorived CoS2–C hybrid as core-shell catalyst for promoting overall water splitting

The rational design of a core-shell structured electrocatalyst is important to improve the efficiency of electrocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting. Herein, the catalyst is composed of rhenium disulfides (ReS2) vertically grown on cobalt sulfides/carbon hybrid by hydrothermal and activation treatment (CoS2–C@ReS2/CFP). The core-shell structure is constructed by sulfurizing the cobalt-based metal-organic framework, preventing the restacking of the ReS2 nanosheet, exposing more active sites, and facilitate electrolyte ion diffusion. Moreover, the CoS2–C@ReS2/CFP catalyst shows exceptional performance during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process in an alkaline electrolyte. At ·10 mA cm−2, the overpotentials of the CoS2–C@ReS2/CFP catalyst are 85 and 257 mV during the HER and OER processes with the small Tafel slope, low charge transfer resistance and exceptional catalytic stability. The combination of the CoS2 core and ReS2 shell is designed to adjust the adsorption energy of water molecules, promoting water dissociation, and enhancing the catalytic activity of CoS2–C@ReS2/CFP catalyst. This work provides an efficient strategy for developing the core-shell structured catalysts, potentially advancing the practical application into water splitting for hydrogen production.

Exploring Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes: Pioneering Advanced Applications in Efficient Water Splitting and Sustainable Hydrogen Generation

This interdisciplinary study synthesizes findings from diverse fields including materials science, psychology, and environmental sustainability to explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes and social media use. In the realm of materials science, TiO2 nanotubes have garnered attention for their potential applications in sustainable energy generation, particularly in water splitting for hydrogen production. Synthesis methods such as hydrothermal synthesis and nitrogen doping have been investigated to enhance the photocatalytic performance and stability of TiO2 nanotubes. Concurrently, the proliferation of social media platforms has transformed communication patterns and behaviors worldwide, shaping individuals' interactions, perceptions, and mental health outcomes. While social media offers opportunities for connectivity and self-expression, excessive use has been associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Additionally, social media engagement has been linked to body image dissatisfaction, sleep disturbances, and academic performance, highlighting the complex interplays between online behaviors and psychological well-being. This study integrates insights from a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, encompassing experimental research, observational studies, and survey-based investigations. The synthesis underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and targeted interventions to address the complex societal challenges posed by TiO2 nanotubes and social media use. Recommendations include further research to optimize synthesis methods, enhance regulatory oversight, and promote responsible digital citizenship. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, this study aims to inform evidence-based interventions and policy initiatives to promote sustainability, well-being, and equity in the digital age.

In Situ Growth of Interfacially Nanoengineered 2D-2D WS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene for the Enhanced Performance of Hydrogen Evolution Reactions.

In line with current research goals involving water splitting for hydrogen production, this work aims to develop a noble-metal-free electrocatalyst for a superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A single-step interfacial activation of Ti3C2Tx MXene layers was employed by uniformly growing embedded WS2 two-dimensional (2D) nanopetal-like sheets through a facile solvothermal method. We exploited the interactions between WS2 nanopetals and Ti3C2Tx nanolayers to enhance HER performance. A much safer method was adopted to synthesize the base material, Ti3C2Tx MXene, by etching its MAX phase through mild in situ HF formation. Consequently, WS2 nanopetals were grown between the MXene layers and on edges in a one-step solvothermal method, resulting in a 2D-2D nanocomposite with enhanced interactions between WS2 and Ti3C2Tx MXene. The resulting 2D-2D nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses before being utilized as working electrodes for HER application. Among various loadings of WS2 into MXene, the 5% WS2-Ti3C2Tx MXene sample exhibited the best activity toward HER, with a low overpotential value of 66.0 mV at a current density of -10 mA cm-2 in a 1 M KOH electrolyte and a remarkable Tafel slope of 46.7 mV·dec-1. The intercalation of 2D WS2 nanopetals enhances active sites for hydrogen adsorption, promotes charge transfer, and helps attain an electrochemical stability of 50 h, boosting HER reduction potential. Furthermore, theoretical calculations confirmed that 2D-2D interactions between 1T/2H-WS2 and Ti3C2Tx MXene realign the active centers for HER, thereby reducing the overpotential barrier.

Harnessing intrinsic defect complexes for visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity in Delafossite CuAlO2

This study significantly enhances the photo(electro)catalytic capabilities of CuAlO2, a wide bandgap semiconductor, through targeted defect engineering. By employing a tailored solid-state reaction under a mixed oxygen-argon atmosphere, an intrinsic defect complex of [Oi+CuAl] into has been successfully integrated into CuAlO2, thereby expanding its light absorption to the visible spectrum. The optimized CuAlO2 sample, containing the [Oi+CuAl] complex, demonstrates a remarkable 2.13-fold increase in photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible-light irradiation. The maximum incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency value is elevated from 0 to 3.27 %, and the photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production rate is increased by 10.78-fold. Density functional theory calculations, in conjunction with experimental data, elucidate the role of the [Oi+CuAl] complex in facilitating visible-light absorption and improving the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Under simulated sunlight, the modified CuAlO2 sample exhibits a substantial 2.26-fold enhancement in photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride, a photocurrent density increase from 0.80 to 8.20 µA·cm−2, and a 1.13-fold increase in photocatalytic hydrogen production rate compared to defect-free CuAlO2. This research underscores the potential of strategic defect engineering to enhance visible-light-driven photo(electro)catalysis in wide bandgap semiconductors.

Spatial configuration of Fe–Co dual-sites boosting catalytic intermediates coupling toward oxygen evolution reaction

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the pivotal obstacle of water splitting for hydrogen production. Dual-sites catalysts (DSCs) are considered exceeding single-site catalysts due to the preternatural synergetic effects of two metals in OER. However, appointing the specific spatial configuration of dual-sites toward more efficient catalysis still remains a challenge. Herein, we constructed two configurations of Fe-Co dual-sites: stereo Fe-Co sites (stereo-Fe-Co DSC) and planar Fe-Co sites (planar-Fe-Co DSC). Remarkably, the planar-Fe-Co DSC has excellent OER performance superior to stereo-Fe-Co DSC. DFT calculations and experiments including isotope differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and in situ Raman reveal the *O intermediates can be directly coupled to form *O-O* rather than *OOH by both the DSCs, which could overcome the limitation of four electron transfer steps in OER. Especially, the proper Fe-Co distance and steric direction of the planar-Fe-Co benefit the cooperation of dual sites to dehydrogenate intermediates into *O-O* than stereo-Fe-Co in the rate-determining step. This work provides valuable insights and support for further research and development of OER dual-site catalysts.

Three-Dimensional Multihierarchical Hexagonal/Cubic ZnIn2S4 S-Scheme Heterophase Junction for Superior Photocatalysis.

It is an important strategy to design composite materials with a special microstructure and a tunable electronic structure through structural compatibility. In this work, a novel hexagonal/cubic ZnIn2S4 polymorphic heterophase junction with a three-dimensional multihierarchical structure is successfully constructed by in situ growth of hexagonal ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on the surface of cubic ZnIn2S4 flower-like microspheres prepared by topological chemical synthesis. On the one hand, the multihierarchical architecture provides large specific surface area, abundant active sites, and excellent light trapping capability. On the other hand, the construction of a direct S-scheme heterophase junction enables the formation of a special charge-transfer channel under the force of a built-in electric field, which not only improves the separation efficiency of carriers but also ensures the stronger reaction activity of charges. The prepared ZnIn2S4 heterophase junction composite photocatalyst exhibits greatly boosted photocatalytic efficiency in rhodamine B degradation, hexavalent chromium reduction, and water splitting for hydrogen production, which are 12.3, 6.5, and 3.1 times higher than that of pure hexagonal ZnIn2S4 and 8.1, 5.1, and 2.3 times higher than that of pure cubic ZnIn2S4, respectively, demonstrating its significant potential for applications in energy and environmental fields.

Molybdenum-doped Co3S4 nanoarrays as outstanding catalysts for overall water splitting

Developing cobalt-based electrocatalysts that can replace precious metals is significant for hydrogen production in water splitting, however, this is still a complex and demanding task.

Solar light driven atomic and electronic transformations in a plasmonic Ni@NiO/NiCO3 photocatalyst revealed by ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

This work employs ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) to delve into the atomic and electronic transformations of a core-shell Ni@NiO/NiCO3 photocatalyst - a model system for visible light active plasmonic photocatalysts used in water splitting for hydrogen production. This catalyst exhibits reversible structural and electronic changes in response to water vapor and solar simulator light. In this study, APXPS spectra were obtained under a 1 millibar water vapor pressure, employing a solar simulator with an AM 1.5 filter to measure spectral data under visible light illumination. The in situ APXPS spectra indicate that the metallic Ni core absorbs the light, exciting plasmons, and creates hot electrons that are subsequently utilized through hot electron injection in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by NiCO3. Additionally, the data show that NiO undergoes reversible oxidation to NiOOH in the presence of water vapor and light. The present work also investigates the contribution of carbonate and its involvement in the photocatalytic reaction mechanism, shedding light on this seldom-explored aspect of photocatalysis. The APXPS results highlight the photochemical reduction of carbonates into -COOH, contributing to the deactivation of the photocatalyst. This work demonstrates the APXPS efficacy in examining photochemical reactions, charge transfer dynamics and intermediates in potential photocatalysts under near realistic conditions.

Advancing strategies on green H2 production via water electrocatalysis: bridging the benchtop research with industrial scale-up

Water splitting provides clean hydrogen via different technologies such as alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, solid oxide electrolysis cells, and photoelectrolysis, each with advantages and challenges. The focus on alkaline water electrolysis highlights its maturity compared to emerging methods. Non-noble metal catalysts offer increased stability, low cost and operational lifespan. Challenges such as low current density, gas crossover, corrosive electrolytes, and limited efficiency are still to be addressed. These advanced electrocatalysts are summarized for alkaline oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions. Meanwhile, different factors including product gas bubble management, operation conditions, separator and electrolyte affecting the performance were concluded and discussed. For the promising approach, seawater splitting is still far from large-scale application. Salinity, pH fluctuations, and complex composition are significant obstacles. The review underscores the need for improvements in electrocatalysts to enhance the efficiency, stability, and practicality of water splitting for hydrogen production, ultimately contributing to the growth of the clean hydrogen market and supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems.

Soluble Gd6Cu24 clusters: effective molecular electrocatalysts for water oxidation.

The water oxidation half reaction in water splitting for hydrogen production is extremely rate-limiting. This study reports the synthesis of two heterometallic clusters (Gd6Cu24-IM and Gd6Cu24-AC) for application as efficient water oxidation catalysts. Interestingly, the maximum turnover frequency of Gd6Cu24-IM in an NaAc solution of a weak acid (pH 6) was 319 s-1. The trimetallic catalytic site, H2O-GdIIICuII2-H2O, underwent two consecutive two-electron two-proton coupled transfer processes to form high-valent GdIII-O-O-CuIII2 intermediates. Furthermore, the O-O bond was formed via intramolecular interactions between the CuIII and GdIII centers. The results of this study revealed that synergistic catalytic water oxidation between polymetallic sites can be an effective strategy for regulating O-O bond formation.

Co2(P4O12)/CoSe2 heterostructures grown on carbon nanofibers as an efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting

The utilization of efficient and pollution-free water splitting hydrogen production technology is of great significance for alleviating environmental problems and achieving sustainable human development. The prospect of exploring highly efficient...

Defective Biphenylene as High-Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution Catalysts.

Electrocatalysts play a pivotal role in advancing the application of water splitting for hydrogen production. This research unveils the potential of defective biphenylenes as high-efficiency catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Using first-principles simulations, we systematically investigated the structure, stability, and catalytic performance of defective biphenylenes. Our findings unveil that defect engineering significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. Specifically, biphenylene with a double-vacancy defect exhibits an outstanding Gibbs free energy of -0.08 eV, surpassing that of Pt, accompanied by a remarkable exchange current density of -3.08 A cm-2, also surpassing that of Pt. Furthermore, we find the preference for the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism in the hydrogen evolution reaction, with a low energy barrier of 0.80 eV. This research provides a promising avenue for developing novel metal-free electrocatalysts for water splitting with earth-abundant carbon elements, making a significant step toward sustainable hydrogen production.

Analysis of Photocatalytic Properties of Titanium Dioxide Electrode Supported By Hydroxyapatite Co-Catalyst in a Marine Solar Cell

Titanium dioxide (TiO2), as an n-type semiconductor photocatalyst, has been widely studied and used in many environmental and energy applications such as solar cells, wastewater treatment, air purification, water splitting for hydrogen production and CO2 conversion due to its superior electrical and optical properties, stability, and biocompatibility. Using its photocatalytic and other properties, we have been studying a floating photoelectrochemical cell that can be applicable to the marine environments. This cell is designed to utilize titanium dioxide as its photoanode and copper oxides photocathode, and seawater is used as an electrolyte between electrodes. The drawbacks of using titanium dioxide as photocatalysts are its high electron-holes recombination rates and lower absorption efficiency in visible light regions. To improve against these drawbacks, we studied hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) as co-catalyst for titanium dioxide electrode. Since HAp possesses biocompatibility, it is suitable to be used with TiO2 electrode in marine environments. In previous studies, it was found that HAp improved and boosted the current density produced by the titanium dioxide electrode. However, removal of HAp occurred from the surface of titanium dioxide during the photoelectrochemical measurements. Therefore, in this study, we have optimized the content of HAp paste that would be applied to the surface of titanium dioxide electrode by screen printing method.For preparation of titanium dioxide electrode, type 329J4L stainless steel was selected as the base substrate. Firstly, surface of the substrate was grinded to form the grid pattern and cleaned with ethanol in ultrasonic cleaner and then with distilled water. After that, the substrate was passivated with 10 % HNO3 at 60 ºC for 30 minutes. The passivated substrate was then printed and heat treated with TiO2 paste twice at 150 ºC for 1 hour and 550 ºC for 30 minutes respectively. Double layered titanium dioxide electrode was then printed with HAp paste and heat treated at 150 ºC for 1 hour. To check the characteristics of photocatalytic effect of electrode, photopotential and potentiodynamic polarization measurements were performed to the electrode. For illumination test, xenon light with an intensity of 10.5 mW/cm2 and a calibrated wavelength of 250-800 nm was used as the light source. The measurement was conducted in artificial seawater as the controlled electrolyte. Standard calomel electrode (SCE) was used as a reference electrode and platinum electrode as a counter electrode. The measurement was performed both with and without irradiated conditions. The microstructures and surface morphology of electrode before and after electrochemical measurements were analyzed and examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).The results show optimized HAp also improve the photocatalytic activities of n-type semiconductor titanium dioxide. In previous study, removal of HAp was considered due to the addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a viscosity modifier to HAp paste. CMC possess higher hydration rate which may cause rapid agglomeration when it is introduced to water. Although it has satisfactory quality to control the viscosity of the paste, rapid hydration cause removal of HAp after the electrode was heat treated and measurement was performed in artificial seawater. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as the viscosity modifier for HAp paste and Triton-X-100 was used as the surfactant to control the surface tension of the paste. As a result, HAp paste was produced to be screen-printable onto the surface of TiO2 electrode and removal of HAp was minimized compared to the previous study. Moreover, HAp became a good sorbent and co-catalyst for titanium dioxide electrode in its photocatalytic activities.

A computational study photophysical properties of a series phenothiazine-linked-BODIPY as D-D-π-a photosensitizer unit for photo-induced hydrogen production from water

Phenothiazine-derivatives are designed as sensitizers which covalently-linked with BODIPY for application in a system of dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPECs). A series of phenothiazine-linked-BODIPY as D-D-π-A chromophore have been investigated by a computational approach for studying the capability of the photosensitizers for application in photoinduced water splitting hydrogen production in DSPECs. The geometries of sensitizers at the ground state and excited state were optimized by the CAM-B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) level method. The theoretical study has been done in order to investigate the photophysical properties such as absorption profile, HOMO-LUMO energy and surface plots of the photosensitizer. The result of calculation for HOMO-LUMO energy level of each dyes showed that the LUMO energy are ranging more than -2.8 - (-2.86) eV which is higher than -4.0 eV of conduction band of TiO2 as semiconductor in DSPEC, meaning that all these dyes could be used as photosensitizers in DSPECs. In addition, the oscillator strength data of each dyes showed the dyes have absorption profile in visible region, meaning the dyes could harvest higher intensity of sunlight to induce water splitting reaction to produce hydrogen.

Direct seawater splitting by photo-piezoelectric coupling based on surface protonated perovskite

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution has become one of the most important and effective ways to produce green and renewable hydrogen energy, the centre of which is the efficient, stable and inexpensive photocatalyst. The part of perovskite oxides have a wide range of properties such as ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity, as well as good photoresponsivity and chemical stability, which are promising for catalytic conversion applications. In this study, the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase perovskite La2NiO4 is investigated from enhanced charge separation as well as accelerated surface redox reaction rates. In the case of the existence of piezoelectric response of La2NiO4, the photo-piezoelectric coupling strategy not only realize the catalytic pure water splitting, but also greatly improve the efficiency. The lattice structure is twisted when the catalyst is subjected to external stress and the electric dipole moment is no longer zero. The resulting piezoelectric potential not only enables the free charge in the bulk phase to migrate directionally, but also inhibits the recombination of photogenerated carriers, which ultimately achieves highly efficient photo-piezoelectric coupling for water splitting for hydrogen production. In addition, the protonation of the catalyst surface is used to further enhance the interfacial reaction of the catalysts, which improves the solution-catalysts contact efficiency and generates vacancy defects to strengthen the spontaneous polarization of the lattices, contributing to the enhancement of the redox reaction rate. This optimization strategy of surface protonation treatment combined with photo-piezoelectric coupling is not only applicable to nanocatalyst powders but also has a significant enhancement effect in perovskite ceramic membranes. When La2NiO4 powders are sintered into the porous ceramic membrane and the surface is protonated with 0.006 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid, the hydrogen production rate of seawater splitting under the photo-piezoelectric coupling condition can reach 7750.41 μmol m−2 h−1. This study contributes to further understanding of photo-piezoelectric coupling catalysis, leading to a new solutions for expanding the application of coupled multifield water splitting for hydrogen evolution.