TiO2 as a Photocatalyst for Water Splitting—An Experimental and Theoretical Review |
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Authors: | Hkon Eidsvg Said Bentouba Ponniah Vajeeston Shivatharsiny Yohi Dhayalan Velauthapillai |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Computing, Mathematics and Physics, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, Box 5063, N-5009 Bergen, Norway;2.Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Box 1033 Blindern, N-0315 Oslo, Norway;3.Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jaffna, Sir. Pon, Ramanathan Rd, Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka; |
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Abstract: | Hydrogen produced from water using photocatalysts driven by sunlight is a sustainable way to overcome the intermittency issues of solar power and provide a green alternative to fossil fuels. TiO2 has been used as a photocatalyst since the 1970s due to its low cost, earth abundance, and stability. There has been a wide range of research activities in order to enhance the use of TiO2 as a photocatalyst using dopants, modifying the surface, or depositing noble metals. However, the issues such as wide bandgap, high electron-hole recombination time, and a large overpotential for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) persist as a challenge. Here, we review state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical research on TiO2 based photocatalysts and identify challenges that have to be focused on to drive the field further. We conclude with a discussion of four challenges for TiO2 photocatalysts—non-standardized presentation of results, bandgap in the ultraviolet (UV) region, lack of collaboration between experimental and theoretical work, and lack of large/small scale production facilities. We also highlight the importance of combining computational modeling with experimental work to make further advances in this exciting field. |
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Keywords: | TiO2 water-splitting theoretical experimental DFT |
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