An overview of photocatalytic water splitting on semiconductor oxides for hydrogen production

ABSTRACT

The consumption and depletion of energy and a rapid increase in its demand has led scientists to find new ways of energy resources. Hydrogen being abundant in nature has great potential to meet this demand. Recently, an ecofriendly way to produce hydrogen, i.e. photocatalytic splitting of water, has gained the interest of the scientific community and industry. The photocatalytic water splitting on various semiconductor oxides has been reviewed, and the potential application in hydrogen production is also discussed. Furthermore, the influence of irradiation energy (ultraviolet and visible), as well as the effect of different doping, has also been presented. This article is very helpful not only for physical chemists but also for the energy sectors around the globe.

KEYWORDS:

• Photocatalysis
• hydrogen production
• semi-conductor oxides
• water splitting
• green energy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).