Enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution and anti-photocorrosion of sulfide photocatalyst by improving surface reaction: A review

The photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen is a potential method for acquiring green hydrogen from nature. Unfortunately, this technique has limitations owing to a lack of knowledge of the reaction processes, despite the fact that in recent decades significant scientific adva`nces have been achieved regarding catalyst design and efficiency. Often neglected in favor of heterojunction engineering or band engineering, the chemical environment of catalysts has long been the subject of research. This article offers insight into the photocatalytic H2 evolution from the surface reaction. It was underlined that reactant adsorption and surface charge extraction have a significant impact on the enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution and anti-photocorrosion properties of the catalyst, which are also strongly connected to the catalyst's chemical environment. Specifically, this study emphasizes the significance of surface/interface condition, type and concentration of electrolytes, reaction solvents, and temperature, etc., during photocatalytic H2 development, all of which play a crucial role in surface charge extraction of catalyst. In addition, the surface kinetics, adsorption and diffusion of reactants, the selectivity of intermediates, etc., are emphasized for designing highly efficient reaction systems in future applications of photocatalysis. It was shown that more comprehensive methodologies are urgently required for constructing efficient and stable photocatalytic reaction systems by merging catalyst design and reaction environment manipulation. This review may provide fresh ideas for the use of photocatalytic solar energy conversion.