Graphene-Based Derivatives Heterostructured Catalytic Systems for Sustainable Hydrogen Energy via Overall Water Splitting

Abstract

The global climate crisis has cultivated the demand for sustainable energy resources as fossil derivative fuels are functional in catalyzing the rate of environmental breakdown. Sustainable energy solutions generate various renewable energy prospects capable of delivering efficient energy operations. Among these prospects, green H2 energy generated via overall water splitting is an effective approach towards sustainability ascribed to the higher gravimetric density and efficiency of H2 fuel. In this review, we sought to discuss the applicability and challenges of graphene-based derivatives in H2 evolution operations through photochemical, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water-splitting pathways. The unique layered structure of graphene-based derivatives alongside marvelous optoelectronic and physicochemical properties ease out the thermodynamic uphill of water splitting better than their non-layered counterparts. In addition, the heterojunction formation in the graphene derivatives with visible light catalysts propels the kinetics of HER. Functionalized GO and rGO derivatives of graphene are riveting catalysts that have received extensive interest from researchers attributed to their accelerated chemical and mechanical stability, tunable band structure and larger surface area, providing more exposed active sites for HER. The surface organic functional groups of GO/rGO assist in establishing synergetic interfacial contact with other catalysts. Thus, these groups provide structural and chemical versatility to GO/rGO-based heterostructured catalysts, which effectively improve their physicochemical parameters that drive their catalytic performance towards HER. In order to develop a cost-effective and highly efficient catalytic system, graphene-based derivatives are promising heterostructured catalysts that exhibit a good relationship between catalytic efficiency and robustness.

Oxide based Heterostructured Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction and Hydrogen Generation

“…The production process of hydrogen needs to be cost-efficient and environmental friendly, this thought motivates the researchers to develop unique photocatalytic systems. [75] Inspired by photosynthesis, photocatalytic water splitting provides matchless method for hydrogen generation in a clean and cost-effective way. [76] Photocatalytic water splitting using oxide based semiconductors for hydrogen generation have risen dramatically in the past few years.…”

“…Hydrogen produced through photocatalytic overall water splitting being a green fuel is enjoying miraculous investment by the researchers all over the world. The production process of hydrogen needs to be cost‐efficient and environmental friendly, this thought motivates the researchers to develop unique photocatalytic systems [75] . Inspired by photosynthesis, photocatalytic water splitting provides matchless method for hydrogen generation in a clean and cost‐effective way [76] .…”

Harvesting Green Hydrogen by Self‐Propelling Built‐in Electric Field Photo/Electro‐catalytic Performance of DyCrO3Nanoparticles Developed by Reverse Microemulsion Route

“…Direct water splitting (photocatalytic and electrocatalytic) by semiconductor uses electrical and solar energy while electrical energy being generated from renewable resources is one of low cost techniques to generate hydrogen at ambient temperature. In electrolysis, the water oxidation process (OER) has slow kinetics and requires high overpotential as compared to the water reduction to hydrogen, hence, overall it requires more energy [3] …”

Advanced Hybrid Ceramics for Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy Applications

“…[27][28][29] SnO 2 , Ag/SnO 2 , WO 3 , Cu/WO 3 , NiO, etc. [30][31][32][33] are the examples of transition metal oxide ceramics which have been effectively equipped with other semi-conducting materials such as metal chalcogenides, g-C 3 N 4 and graphene based derivatives [34][35][36] to form hybrid catalytic systems for hydrogen evolution. The conductivity of these compounds is tunable by doping different cations and anions.…”