Single Atom Catalysts for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Abstract

Single atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted increasing attention in electrocatalysis due to their unprecedented catalytic activity with excellent atomic utilization efficiency derived from unique electronic states and coordination environments. In photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, atomically dispersed metal catalysts anchored to photoelectrodes offer the breakthrough to outperform the conventional thin‐film PEC catalysts by enlarging the catalytic sites and facilitating photogenerated charge carrier kinetics. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of SAC‐incorporated photoelectrodes for efficient PEC water splitting. Firstly, the representative characterization techniques for the identification of SACs and investigations in respect of photogenerated charge carrier kinetics and photon‐to‐current efficiency will be discussed. Then, we will introduce the state‐of‐the‐art PEC‐SACs classified into noble metal, non‐noble metal, and dual metal SACs. Finally, critical outlooks to realize the full potential of SACs in photoelectrocatalysis will be highlighted.

Halide Perovskites for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction: Challenges and Opportunities

“…In this part, we will briefly discuss the major challenges first and then we summarize the opportunities for the future developments in the field; considering that a significant number of review papers were published on water splitting and CO 2 reduction, − we will restrict ourselves with issues associated with halide perovskites applications.…”

Best Practices in Membrane Electrode Assembly for Water Electrolysis

“…However, they face hurdles such as lower energy density compared to fossil fuels and lack of stability and reliability due to weather dependency . Hydrogen, which can itself be a fuel, presents a promising solution as a carrier for unreliable alternative energy sources, owing to its sustainability, , nontoxicity, high energy density, , and storability. − …”

“…However, they face hurdles such as lower energy density compared to fossil fuels and lack of stability and reliability due to weather dependency. 15 Hydrogen, which can itself be a fuel, presents a promising solution as a carrier for unreliable alternative energy sources, owing to its sustainability, 16,17 nontoxicity, 18 high energy density, 19,20 and storability. 21−23 Despite its potential, over 95% of the currently produced hydrogen is gray or blue hydrogen obtained from reforming methane gas, which still involves carbon emissions.…”