Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Technologies for Hydrogen Production: Commercialization Aspect

Sustainable solar energy and photoactive materials are harnessed to efficiently utilize naturally occurring water resources for the production of environmentally friendly green fuel. Globally, conventional sources primarily rely on fossil fuels, which not only contribute to energy depletion but also pose significant environmental threats such as air pollution and ozone layer depletion. To address these challenges and transition away from conventional fossil fuels, eco-friendly hydrogen fuels emerge as a compelling alternative. Hydrogen offers several advantages, including being carbon-free, possessing a high energy density, and enabling rapid replenishment. The global effort to produce over 50 million tons of hydrogen per year aims to replace fossil fuels in various applications. Ongoing research focuses on enhancing the performance of low-cost photocatalytic materials and ensuring their long-term stability to meet the demands of large-scale hydrogen production. This chapter focuses on the profitable aspects of ultraviolet and visible light-based single & multi-component photocatalysts, cocatalyst-loaded composites, as well as carbon-based support composites for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting. The effective engineering of these photocatalytic materials, characterized by high photocatalytic rates, holds the potential for widespread adoption in industrial hydrogen gas production. This approach aligns with the growing need for sustainable energy solutions and contributes to a greener and more environmentally responsible energy landscape.