Overview of recent progress on metal-oxide-supported noble metals, nanocomposites, and carbon for photocatalytic water reduction

초록

The global move towards sustainable energy has accelerated interest in solar-powered hydrogen (H2) production in the context of clean and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Among solar-powered hydrogen production methods, photocatalytic water (H2O) splitting, especially with metal-oxide-based catalysts, is one of the least expensive and most executable. Metal oxides and their composites have been studied for H2 evolution because they demonstrate desirable electronic structures, efficient charge-carrier generation, and tunable light absorption. This review systematically analyzes notable recent developments in metal-oxide-based photocatalysts, encompassing pure oxides, noble-metal-modified oxides, nanocomposites, carbon-supported hybrids, and nonmetal-doped systems. The efficiency of photocatalysts is critically analysed in terms of key factors, including sacrificial agents and co-catalysts. Experimental results of the literature study are compared with projected values derived from the machine learning approach, which enhances the search for new catalysts. The evaluation identifies progress and challenges with the design of metal-oxide photocatalysts for H2 production. The field is progressing; however, theoretical and practical efficiencies of solar-to-hydrogen conversion are divergent. To address this issue, we need to develop new catalyst design methods, charge separation mechanisms, and reaction conditions. The assessment suggests further research to bridge theory and practice to create scalable, sustainable hydrogen generation.

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