Photocatalytic Reforming for Hydrogen Evolution: A Review

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered to be an ideal energy carrier to achieve low-carbon economy and sustainable energy supply. Production of hydrogen by catalytic reforming of organic compounds is one of the most important commercial processes. With the rapid development of photocatalysis in recent years, the applications of photocatalysis have been extended to the area of reforming hydrogen evolution. This research area has attracted extensive attention and exhibited potential for wide application in practice. Photocatalytic reforming for hydrogen evolution is a sustainable process to convert the solar energy stored in hydrogen into chemical energy. This review comprehensively summarized the reported works in relevant areas, categorized by the reforming precursor (organic compound) such as methanol, ethanol and biomass. Mechanisms and characteristics for each category were deeply discussed. In addition, recommendations for future work were suggested.