Photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production: Hydrogen production principle, performance optimization strategy, application and prospect

Photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production is a sustainable energy technology that utilizes solar energy to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. It offers the advantages of environmental protection and sustainability. However, its low efficiency in photoelectric water splitting results in relatively small hydrogen production, which severely limits its popularization in practical applications. This paper reviewed the technology of photoelectric catalytic hydrogen production, including the principle of photoelectric catalysis, catalyst materials, reaction mechanism and kinetics, reaction conditions and optimization, as well as the challenges and prospects. The catalysts for efficient hydrogen production as well as the strategies for improving hydrogen production rate were discussed in detail, including the use of catalysts, co-catalysts, integrated optimization of reaction conditions and photoelectrodes. It also covered research on reaction kinetics, multi-physical field simulation and optimization. The paper provided a comprehensive theoretical basis and practical guidance for research in related fields.