Dye-sensitized nanoparticles for efficient solar hydrogen generation

Abstract

Dye-sensitized photocatalytic systems (DSPs) for hydrogen (H₂) evolution have garnered significant attention due to their ability to harness solar energy for efficient fuel production. In this feature article review, we discuss our recent advancements in DSPs, focusing on TiO₂-based systems and self-assembled nanostructures for H₂ evolution. We explore the role of porphyrins as photosensitizers and catalysts in H₂ evolving DSPs, highlighting strategies to enhance light absorption and charge transfer efficiency. In addition, we introduce our alternative approach, utilizing self-assembled porphyrin architectures to overcome the limitations of conventional DSPs, such as the instability of anchoring groups. Finally, we present our recent approach using a photosensitizer–catalyst (PS–CAT) dyad, which enables alcohol oxidation coupled with H₂ evolution, eliminating the need for a classic sacrificial electron donor (SED). In the final section, we offer perspectives and future directions for DSPs, aiming to foster the development of greener and more economically sustainable solar-driven fuel and chemical synthesis.