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Catalysts
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Recent Advances in Photo/Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
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Recent Advances in Photo/Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Photocatalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 5589

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Baodong Mao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: photocatalysis; electrocatalysis; hydrogen production; organic oxidation; quantum dots; carbon dots
Dr. Yanhong Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: photocatalysis; hydrogen production; organic oxidation; quantum dots; LDH materials
Dr. Afaq Ullah Khan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: photocatalysis; supercapacitors; hydrogen production; pollutant remediation
Prof. Dr. Fang Chai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
Interests: carbon dots; gold nanoclusters; nano-enzyme; fluorescence detection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Extensive research has been conducted on the development of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic water splitting systems in response to increased demand for clean and renewable energy. Many studies have contributed to the development of high-efficiency photocatalysts and electrocatalysts with high activity and stability. Novel catalytic systems have also been developed to couple hydrogen production with organic oxidation reactions as an alternative to slow oxygen evolution reactions, though more in-depth studies of their mechanisms are required. Photo-assisted electrocatalytic systems are also being investigated beyond the traditional the use of photoelectrochemical cells. In order to highlight the most significant recent progress in this field, this Special Issue mainly focuses on the following topics:

  • Photocatalysis for water splitting;
  • Electrocatalysis for water splitting;
  • Alternative organic reactions coupled with hydrogen production;
  • Photo-assisted electrocatalytic systems for water splitting;
  • Heterojunction photocatalysts and electrocatalysts with improved performance.

If you would like to submit a paper for publication in this Special Issue or have any questions, please contact the in-house editor, Mr. Ives Liu (ives.liu@mdpi.com).

Prof. Dr. Baodong Mao
Dr. Yanhong Liu
Dr. Afaq Ullah Khan
Prof. Dr. Fang Chai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • photocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • water splitting
  • organic oxidation coupled hydrogen production
  • photo-assisted electrocatalysis
  • mechanism studies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2928 KiB  
Article
Facile Synthesis of the Single-Atom Decorated Cox-MoS2/RGO Catalysts by Thermal-Annealing Vacancy-Filling Strategy for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
by Jiang Yang, Wentao Li, Abdul-Aziz Aimeti, Xinyu Liu, Jiaqi Nie, Shuang Wang and Xiaoqi Fu
Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060524 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 44
Abstract
A “thermal-annealing vacancy-filling” synthesis strategy was developed to engineer cobalt single-atom catalysts (Co-MoS2/RGO) for exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. By anchoring atomic Co onto Frenkel defect-engineered MoS2 nanosheets supported by reduced graphene oxide (RGO), we achieved simultaneous optimization of [...] Read more.
A “thermal-annealing vacancy-filling” synthesis strategy was developed to engineer cobalt single-atom catalysts (Co-MoS2/RGO) for exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. By anchoring atomic Co onto Frenkel defect-engineered MoS2 nanosheets supported by reduced graphene oxide (RGO), we achieved simultaneous optimization of catalytic stability, electrical conductivity, and active site accessibility. The optimized Co3-MoS2/RGO hybrid demonstrates remarkable alkaline HER activity, requiring only 94.0 mV overpotential to achieve 10 mA cm−2 current density while maintaining excellent durability over extended operation. The atomically dispersed Co promoted HER kinetics through electronic structure modulation of MoS2 basal planes, creation of catalytic active centers, and defect-mediated synergies. The RGO further contributed to performance enhancement by preventing nanosheet aggregation, facilitating charge transfer, and exposing active sites. This defect engineering strategy provides a facile method for developing cost-effective, stable, and high-performance electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photo/Electrocatalytic Water Splitting)
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17 pages, 9503 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Charge Separation and Transport: Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting in α-Fe2O3/CZTS Nanorod Arrays
by Wen Chen, Ao-Sheng She, Ming-Hao Ji, Hao-Yan Shi, Yang Yang, Yi-Hu Pu, Rui Chen, Wei-Hua Yang, Yan-Xin Chen and Can-Zhong Lu
Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110812 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
This study explores the enhancement of α-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanorod arrays for photoelec-trochemical applications by constructing a Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) heterojunction. While α-Fe2O3 offers good stability, a low cost, and environmental benefits, its efficiency is limited [...] Read more.
This study explores the enhancement of α-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanorod arrays for photoelec-trochemical applications by constructing a Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) heterojunction. While α-Fe2O3 offers good stability, a low cost, and environmental benefits, its efficiency is limited by slow oxygen evolution kinetics, high carrier recombination rates, and low conductivity. By introducing CZTS, a material with strong light absorption and charge transport properties, we enhance the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, reduce charge transfer resistance, and increase the carrier concentration, thereby boosting the overall photoelectrochemical performance. The experimental results show that a modified FC-15 photoanode achieves a photocurrent density of 3.40 mA/cm2 at 1.60 V vs. RHE, a substantial increase compared to 0.40 mA/cm2 for unmodified α-Fe2O3. Band gap analysis reveals a reduced band gap in the FC-15 material, enhancing light absorption and boosting the photoelectrocatalytic performance. In photoelectrochemical water-splitting tests, the FC-15 photoanode achieves a hydrogen production rate of 41.6 μmol/cm2/h, which is significantly improved over the unmodified sample at 5.64 μmol/cm2/h. These findings indicate that the CZTS/α-Fe2O3 heterojunction effectively promotes charge separation, enhances charge transport, and improves light absorption, substantially increasing photocatalytic efficiency. This heterojunction approach offers new insights and technical strategies for developing photocatalytic materials with potential applications in renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photo/Electrocatalytic Water Splitting)
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Review

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20 pages, 8676 KiB  
Review
Zinc Indium Sulfide Materials for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production via Water Splitting: A Short Review
by Lang Yao, Shice Zeng, Shuxiang Yang, Honghua Zhang, Yue Ma, Guangying Zhou and Jianzhang Fang
Catalysts 2025, 15(3), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15030271 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is seen as a promising solution to energy problems due to its eco-friendly and sustainable properties, which have attracted considerable interest. Despite progress, the efficiency and selectivity of solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen generation are still below optimal levels, [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is seen as a promising solution to energy problems due to its eco-friendly and sustainable properties, which have attracted considerable interest. Despite progress, the efficiency and selectivity of solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen generation are still below optimal levels, making it a major challenge to effectively harness solar energy for hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting. Advancing high-performance semiconductor photocatalysts is seen as key to tackling this issue. Zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) has gained attention in recent years as a promising semiconductor material for photocatalytic hydrogen production, thanks to its advantageous properties. Studies in photocatalysis are shifting toward the continuous development and modification of materials, with the goal of enhancing efficiency and extending their applications in environmental and energy fields. With proper development, the material may eventually be suitable for large-scale commercial use. Recent studies have aimed at boosting the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) efficiency of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts through a range of experimental techniques, including surface modifications, forming semiconductor heterojunctions, doping with metals and nonmetals, defect engineering, and particle size analysis. The purpose of this review is to explain the design strategies for ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts through these approaches and to provide a thorough summary of the latest developments in their role as catalysts for hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photo/Electrocatalytic Water Splitting)
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48 pages, 10338 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Graphene-Based Single-Atom Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction and H2 Production
by Muhammad Yasir Akram, Tuba Ashraf, Muhammad Saqaf Jagirani, Ahsan Nazir, Muhammad Saqib and Muhammad Imran
Catalysts 2024, 14(6), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14060343 - 24 May 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2372
Abstract
The extensive use of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has appeared as a significant area of investigation in contemporary study. The single-atom catalyst, characterized by its maximum atomic proficiency and great discernment of the transition-metal center, has a unique combination of benefits from both heterogeneous [...] Read more.
The extensive use of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has appeared as a significant area of investigation in contemporary study. The single-atom catalyst, characterized by its maximum atomic proficiency and great discernment of the transition-metal center, has a unique combination of benefits from both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. Consequently, it effectively bridges the gap between these two types of catalysts, leveraging their distinctive features. The utilization of SACs immobilized on graphene substrates has garnered considerable interest, primarily because of their capacity to facilitate selective and efficient photocatalytic processes. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the progress and potential uses of SACs made from graphene in photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction and hydrogen (H2) generation. The focus is on their contribution to converting solar energy into chemical energy. The present study represents the various preparation methods and characterization approaches of graphene-based single-atom photocatalyst This review investigates the detailed mechanisms underlying these photocatalytic processes and discusses recent studies that have demonstrated remarkable H2 production rates through various graphene-based single-atom photocatalysts. Additionally, the pivotal roleof theoretical simulations, likedensity functional theory (DFT), to understand the structural functional relationships of these SACs are discussed. The potential of graphene-based SACs to revolutionize solar-to-chemical energy conversion through photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 production is underscored, along with addressing challenges and outlining future directions for this developing area of study. By shedding light on the progress and potential of these catalysts, this review contributes to the collective pursuit of sustainable and efficient energy conversion strategies to mitigate the global climate crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photo/Electrocatalytic Water Splitting)
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