Photocatalytic production of hydrogen

Abstract: The photocatalytic production of hydrogen represents a fascinating way to convert and store solar energy as chemical energy, in the form of renewable hydrogen, the ideal fuel for the future. Hydrogen can be produced either by direct water splitting or by photo-reforming of organics in either liquid or gas phase. Both methods are reviewed in this chapter. Starting with a brief historical background, the most recent achievements in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen production are discussed, concerning both the development of innovative materials able to exploit a larger portion of the solar spectrum compared to traditional photocatalytic materials, and the different set-ups and devices which have been developed and tested.