Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Photocatalytic Water Splitting

With growing concerns about the depletion of global energy resources and the increasing environmental damage caused by pollution, research into alternative energy sources has become a key focus for scientists worldwide. Since hydrogen burns cleanly and has a high energy of combustion, it has gained attention as a possible fuel source. One of the most efficient uses of renewable energy is the photocatalytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. It shows great promise as a technology that uses sunlight to produce hydrogen fuel from water. Recent studies have shown that semiconducting materials have electronic structures well suited for hydrogen and oxygen evolution through water decomposition. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) has been identified as an ideal material for this purpose due to its unique 2D conjugated structure. While graphene-based photocatalysts face challenges such as fast recombination of produced electron–hole pairs, this structure enables significant changes in surface functions. In this book chapter, recent advances in the application of graphene-based photocatalysts and different approaches to improving the photocatalytic activity in water splitting are reviewed. The field of physical chemistry, which includes heterogeneous photocatalysis, is based on two main principles: thermodynamics and kinetics. First, the thermodynamics of heterogeneous photocatalysis is explained, then its kinetics. Finally, insights into the obstacles and potential for future research in this exciting field are provided.