Issue 35, 2023

Transition-metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts for water splitting

Abstract

Solar-driven water splitting based on particulate semiconductor materials is studied as a technology for green hydrogen production. Transition-metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts are promising materials for overall water splitting (OWS) via a one- or two-step excitation process because their band structure is suitable for water splitting under visible light. Yet, these materials suffer from low solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH), mainly because of their high defect density, low charge separation and migration efficiency, sluggish surface redox reactions, and/or side reactions. Their poor thermal stability in air and under the harsh nitridation conditions required to synthesize these materials makes further material improvements difficult. Here, we review key challenges in the two different OWS systems and highlight some strategies recently identified as promising for improving photocatalytic activity. Finally, we discuss opportunities and challenges facing the future development of transition-metal (oxy)nitride-based OWS systems.

Graphical abstract: Transition-metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts for water splitting

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
23 6 2023
Accepted
27 7 2023
First published
28 7 2023
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 9248-9257

Transition-metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts for water splitting

K. Chen, J. Xiao, T. Hisatomi and K. Domen, Chem. Sci., 2023, 14, 9248 DOI: 10.1039/D3SC03198E

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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