Future Challenges of Photocatalytic Water Splitting: Sustainability

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 02 | Page : 43 48
    By

    R.M. Aadarsh Vel,

  • R. Madhumitha Sri,

  • S. Ravichandran,

  1. Student, Department of Chemistry, Airlines & Airport Management, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Chennai, India
  2. Student, Department of Chemistry, Anna University & Validation Analyst(R&D), ZIFO Technology, Chennai, India
  3. Professor, Department of Chemistry, St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India

Abstract

Photocatalytic water splitting has emerged as a promising technology for sustainable hydrogen production through the direct utilization of solar energy. This process mimics natural photosynthesis, using semiconductor materials to absorb light and drive the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The method provides a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to the global energy challenge by enabling the reduction of carbon emissions. Among various solar-to-chemical energy conversion approaches, photocatalytic water splitting to generate hydrogen stands out as a particularly promising option. This light-driven process is regarded as an ideal renewable technology, capable of yielding high energy output without reliance on fossil fuels. In photocatalytic water splitting, water undergoes a redox reaction facilitated by photo-generated electrons and holes, resulting in the production of hydrogen. This review outlines the fundamental mechanisms of photocatalysts used for hydrogen evolution from aqueous media and discusses recent strategies for developing photocatalysts responsive to visible light. Recent advances have focused on engineering band structures, heterojunction formation, and surface modification to enhance charge separation efficiency and visible-light absorption. The incorporation of co-catalysts, defect engineering, and nanostructuring techniques has significantly improved photocatalytic activity and stability. Moreover, computational modeling and in-situ characterization methods have provided deeper insights into charge carrier dynamics and reaction pathways. Despite these advancements, challenges such as low quantum efficiency, photocorrosion, and scalability remain critical barriers to commercialization. Continued research integrating materials innovation, reaction kinetics, and reactor design optimization is essential to achieve efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting.

Keywords: Photocatalytic water splitting; Hydrogen evolution; Semiconductor photocatalysts; Solar energy conversion; Visible-light activation

[This article belongs to International Journal of Photochemistry and Photochemical Research ]

How to cite this article:
R.M. Aadarsh Vel, R. Madhumitha Sri, S. Ravichandran. Future Challenges of Photocatalytic Water Splitting: Sustainability. International Journal of Photochemistry and Photochemical Research. 2025; 03(02):43-48.
How to cite this URL:
R.M. Aadarsh Vel, R. Madhumitha Sri, S. Ravichandran. Future Challenges of Photocatalytic Water Splitting: Sustainability. International Journal of Photochemistry and Photochemical Research. 2025; 03(02):43-48. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijppr/article=2025/view=234480


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
Issue 02
Received 15/10/2025
Accepted 20/10/2025
Published 17/12/2025
Publication Time 63 Days
60

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