Abstract
Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen (H 2 ) generation using semiconductor materials is considered as one of the promising avenues for direct solar-to-fuel conversion. In this context, cocatalysts play very significant roles in improving the efficiency of semiconductor-based photocatalytic process. Considering potential future applications, cocatalysts based on cheap and earth-abundant materials are of importance for cost-effective solar-to-hydrogen conversion. This review is devoted to recent progresses in developing Ni-based cocatalysts for semiconductor-based photocatalytic H 2 production. Different kinds of Ni-based materials, including inorganic metal and compounds, hydrogenases, as well as molecular complexes, that can function as cocatalysts in combination with semiconductors for photocatalytic H 2 generation are discussed in detail. The structural features and functional mechanisms of various semiconductor-cocatalyst composite systems are reviewed. Finally, a brief discussion on future directions, challenges and opportunities in this fascinating area of research is also provided.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 779-793 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Applied Surface Science |
| Volume | 351 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 1 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 Elsevier B.V.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surfaces and Interfaces
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Keywords
- Earth-abundant
- Energy resource
- Hydrogen evolution
- Nickel
- Photocatalysis
- Semiconductor
