Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

The quest for sustainable and clean energy solutions has led to significant advancements in various technologies, with photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting emerging as a promising approach for hydrogen production as shown in Fig. 4.1. This process harnesses solar energy to drive the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, offering a potential pathway to a clean and renewable energy future (Juneja and Bhattacharya in Materials horizons: from nature to nanomaterials, pp. 249–273, 2022 [1]). PEC water splitting leverages the unique properties of semiconductor materials, known as photoelectrodes, which absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. This energy is then used to initiate and sustain the water-splitting reactions, namely the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (Liu in ChemSusChem 14:5359–5383, 2021 [2]). The development of PEC technology not only represents a significant stride in energy conversion but also holds the promise of providing a scalable and efficient method for producing hydrogen fuel, which is vital for addressing global energy demands and environmental concerns. This section provides an overview of PEC water splitting by exploring its fundamental principles, historical development, and significance in the context of current and future energy needs. By understanding the origins and advancements of this technology, we can better appreciate its role in the broader landscape of renewable energy solutions and its potential impact on sustainable development.