DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTO-CATALYTIC MATERIALS FOR WATER SPLITTING- A TECHNICAL REPORT

Background: Photocatalytic water splitting has emerged as a promising pathway for sustainable hydrogen production, addressing global energy demands and environmental concerns. By harnessing solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, photocatalytic technologies offer a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. Recent advances in material science have led to the development of high-efficiency photocatalysts capable of improving solar-to-hydrogen conversion rates. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends in photocatalyst design, fabrication, and application, with a focus on real-world scalability. Objective: To evaluate and synthesize recent developments in photocatalytic materials and their practical applications in water splitting for renewable hydrogen production. Methods: This technical review compiles and analyzes peer-reviewed research from the past five years on the synthesis and modification of photocatalysts including semiconductor-based, heterostructured, and plasmonic materials. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were critically examined. Key strategies including surface modification, cocatalyst integration, and bandgap engineering were reviewed for their impact on photocatalytic efficiency. The operational performance of photoelectrochemical cells and photocatalytic reactors was also analyzed. Results: Recent studies demonstrated enhanced hydrogen evolution rates up to 61.5 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ using dual cocatalyst systems on TiO₂. Apparent quantum yields have reached 42.5% under visible light, while solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiencies of up to 1.1% have been recorded using Al-doped SrTiO₃ with Rh/Cr₂O₃. Long-term durability studies showed 80% activity retention over 1300 hours. Modified BiVO₄ and GaN:ZnO photocatalysts demonstrated efficient charge separation and visible light absorption. Conclusion: Advances in photocatalyst materials and system integration are steadily improving the feasibility of photocatalytic water splitting for green hydrogen production. Future research should focus on cost-effective scaling and integration with renewable energy sources.