Integrated photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutants or wastes treatment: prospects and challenges

Abstract Photocatalytic methods for hydrogen generation and organic pollutant degradation can be considered as economic, and environment-friendly techniques. Transition metal oxides are most commonly used in photo-assisted processes and exhibit enhanced photocatalytic response in hydrogen generation and hazardous contaminant degradation. Various pollutants can be utilized as sacrificial agents according to the available literature. Instead of performing the processes separately, our intention in this chapter is to review various aspects of simultaneous hydrogen generation and wastewater purification. Thus two significant areas of concern, namely the future energy crisis and wastewater purification can be solved with reduced operating cost and time. Coupled photocatalysis for enhanced hydrogen evolution and efficient pollutant decontamination is drawing the attention of researchers worldwide.