Particulate photocatalysts for water splitting to produce green hydrogen on a large scale

Sunlight-driven overall water splitting using particulate photocatalysts is of growing interest as a means of producing green hydrogen from water, because systems based on particulate photocatalysts can be spread over large areas using potentially inexpensive processes. Since the first reports on photocatalytic water splitting in 1980, a variety of materials have been developed. Alongside material development, systems designed for the practical implementation of solar hydrogen production technologies using particulate photocatalysts have recently emerged. This review highlights developments in photocatalyst research and examines the current progress in system design for the large-scale production of solar hydrogen (green hydrogen) based on these materials. Such technology represents a crucial solution in the pursuit of a carbon-neutral society-one of the most urgent global challenges.