Side reactions in photocatalytic H2 production by overall water splitting

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2024.12.047

Abstract

Abstract: The ineffciency of photocatalytic overall water splitting is well documented and has been extensively studied. However, a crucial aspect of this process, the side reaction, has often been overlooked. In this study, we investigate the impact of side reactions on photocatalytic overall water splitting by monitoring factors such as dissolved oxygen, reactive oxygen species, and hydrogen peroxide. Further insights into the side reaction are obtained through the introduction of a platinum cocatalyst. Our ﬁndings reveal that dissolved oxygen signiﬁcantly contributes to the side reaction by promoting the production of hydro-gen peroxide. This byproduct is generated at the expense of electrons needed for the hydrogen evolution reaction, thereby reducing the overall effciency of photocatalytic water splitting. This article aims to pro-vide guidance on future research directions in the ﬁeld of water splitting, with a particular emphasis on photocatalysis.

Key words: Photocatalysis, Water splitting, Dissolved oxygen, Hydrogen peroxide, Cocatalyst

Chuanbiao Bie, Chenchen Jiang, Jindi Yang, Xin Sun, Xiangkang Zeng, Jianjun Zhang, Bicheng Zhu. Side reactions in photocatalytic H₂ production by overall water splitting[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2025, 229: 48-57.

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Side reactions in photocatalytic H₂ production by overall water splitting

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