Advances in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production for a Sustainable Future

Thanh-Binh Nguyen

doi:10.53941/gefr.2025.100022

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable and clean energy has highlighted hydrogen as a key alternative to traditional fossil fuels due to its high energy content and zero-emission characteristics. Among various hydrogen production methods, photocatalytic water splitting, which utilizes solar energy, emerges as a particularly promising approach for generating renewable and environmentally friendly hydrogen. This review examines recent progress in the field of photocatalysis, focusing on significant advancements in photocatalytic materials, system designs, and reactor configurations that have improved the efficiency of hydrogen production. The discussion includes traditional photocatalysts like titanium dioxide (TiO2) and explores new materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and perovskites, highlighting innovations in material development and surface modification. Additionally, the integration of photocatalytic systems with solar energy technologies and artificial photosynthesis is explored, showcasing progress towards scalable and cost-effective solutions. Despite these advancements, challenges such as material stability, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts persist and are critically assessed. The review concludes by outlining future research directions and opportunities, emphasizing that ongoing interdisciplinary efforts and supportive policies are crucial for overcoming current obstacles and achieving broad adoption of photocatalytic hydrogen production. This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed understanding of the current status and potential future of photocatalytic hydrogen production as a cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions.

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