Advances in oxychalcogenide materials for hydrogen evolution photocatalysis in aqueous media

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions has led to significant research in photocatalytic water splitting, a promising approach for clean hydrogen production. Oxychalcogenide materials have emerged as a compelling class of photocatalysts due to their tunable electronic structures, various architectures, and favorable band edge positions for solar water splitting. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in oxychalcogenide photocatalysts, emphasizing their structural diversity, composition–property relationships, and key design strategies. We highlight the impact of anion selection, cation contributions, charge carrier dynamics, and material stability on photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, we discuss innovative experimental approaches, such as surface modifications that have been employed to enhance activity. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying critical parameters for optimization, this review aims to shed light on this class of photocatalysts and help guide the rational design of next-generation oxychalcogenide photocatalysts for efficient and scalable solar hydrogen production.