Recent Advances in TiO₂-Based Photocatalysts for Efficient Water Splitting to Hydrogen

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photocatalysis
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a key material for artificial photosynthesis and green hydrogen production.
• The wide bandgap of anatase TiO2 limits solar spectrum utilization and photocatalytic efficiency.
• Current methods struggle to absorb sufficient solar radiation for effective hydrogen generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide.
• To explore methods for improving visible light absorption in TiO2 for artificial photosynthesis.
• To discuss charge-transfer mechanisms and efficiency improvements in TiO2 photocatalysis.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on TiO2 modification techniques.
• Analysis of doping (metal and non-metal) and heterojunction strategies.
• Examination of acidic modification, oxygen vacancies, and environmental factor effects (temperature, pressure).

Main Results:

• Bandgap engineering significantly enhances visible light absorption in TiO2.
• Doping and heterojunctions demonstrably improve photocatalytic activity.
• Optimized charge-transfer efficiencies are crucial for enhanced photochemical response.

Conclusions:

• Various strategies effectively improve TiO2's performance in artificial photosynthesis.
• Bandgap modification is essential for maximizing solar energy utilization.
• Further research into charge-transfer mechanisms will advance green hydrogen production.