Emerging Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

Photocatalytic H2 evolution from water is a promising avenue for the sustainable production of clean fuels without byproduct pollutants as in the traditional use of fossil fuels. Three water-splitting routes (i.e., POWS, PPWS, and PIWS) have been developed for photocatalytic H2 evolution that involve light-absorption, charge-transport, and surface-reaction processes. A range of cost-effective photocatalysts and cocatalysts have been developed for higher-efficiency H2 evolution. Steady progress on efficiency, scalability, and operability has been achieved towards large-scale H2 production. Hydrogen evolution via solar-driven photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) is considered an important strategy for facilitating clean global energy and overcoming the severe environmental challenges facing our society. As a result, many photocatalysts have been developed over the past several years. In this review, we outline the most recent advances in hydrogen evolution photocatalysts over the past 2 years. In particular, we introduce hydrogen production methods, main and cocatalysts for hydrogen evolution through water splitting, the underlying photocatalytic mechanisms, and current challenges and future potential advances for this exciting field. Hydrogen evolution via solar-driven photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) is considered an important strategy for facilitating clean global energy and overcoming the severe environmental challenges facing our society. As a result, many photocatalysts have been developed over the past several years. In this review, we outline the most recent advances in hydrogen evolution photocatalysts over the past 2 years. In particular, we introduce hydrogen production methods, main and cocatalysts for hydrogen evolution through water splitting, the underlying photocatalytic mechanisms, and current challenges and future potential advances for this exciting field.