Development in Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Using Carbon-Based Materials: A Path to Sustainable Hydrogen Production

Asim Jilani and Hussameldin Ibrahim ()
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Asim Jilani: Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI), Process Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
Hussameldin Ibrahim: Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI), Process Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-29

Abstract: Hydrogen production via water splitting is a crucial strategy for addressing the global energy crisis and promoting sustainable energy solutions. This review systematically examines water-splitting mechanisms, with a focus on photocatalytic and electrochemical methods. It provides in-depth discussions on charge transfer, reaction kinetics, and key processes such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Various electrode synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and radio frequency sputtering (RF), are reviewed for their advantages and limitations. The role of carbon-based materials such as graphene, biochar, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is also highlighted. Their exceptional conductivity, tunable band structures, and surface functionalities contribute to efficient charge separation and enhanced light absorption. Further, advancements in heterojunctions, doped systems, and hybrid composites are explored for their ability to improve photocatalytic and PEC performance by minimizing charge recombination, optimizing electronic structures, and increasing active sites for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Key challenges, including material stability, cost, scalability, and solar spectrum utilization, are critically analyzed, along with emerging strategies such as novel synthesis approaches and sustainable material development. By integrating water splitting mechanisms, electrode synthesis techniques, and advancements in carbon-based materials, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on sustainable hydrogen production, bridging previously isolated research domains.

Keywords: sustainable hydrogen production; water splitting; photocatalytic; electrochemical; working electrode; carbon-based material (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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