Light, Water, Hydrogen: The Solar Generation of Hydrogen by Water Photoelectrolysis

This book covers the field of solar production of hydrogen by water photo-splitting (photoelectrolysis) using semiconductor photoanodes. The emphasis of the discussion is on the use of nanotechnology in the field. The theories behind photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical processes responsible for hydrogen production are given in detail. This provides a state-of-the-art review of the semiconductor materials and methods used for improving the efficiency of the processes. The book also gives an account of the techniques used for making the nanostructures. It begins with a discussion on hydrogen as an energy carrier, a historical background on hydrogen extraction from water, and various methods employed for hydrogen extraction. Strategies are suggested for developing future nanostructured materials to achieve high efficiency, photochemically stable photoanodes optimized for the visible portion of the solar spectrum. Read more