Research Progress of Solar Hydrogen Production Technology under Double Carbon Target

The achievement of the double carbon target requires precise policy guidance and the development of alternative clean energy. In recent years, hydrogen energy has attracted more and more attention due to its rich sources, high heating value, low-carbon, and diverse application scenarios. Among the traditional hydrogen production technologies, fossil fuel hydrogen production technology is the most widely used, but the larger energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission are caused by its hydrogen production reaction process. Photocatalytic water splitting can transfer solar energy to hydrogen, which can store solar energy in the form of chemical energy. This strategy not only can utilize solar energy to generate hydrogen, but also can combine hydrogen with CO2 to produce high-value chemicals. Moreover, this technology can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and realize the comprehensive utilization of hydrocarbon resources. The research progress of photocatalytic (PC) hydrogen production, photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) hydrogen production and photovoltaic electrocatalytic (PV-EC) hydrogen production are reviewed. The basic principles of related technologies are explained, and the key materials in hydrogen production technology are introduced. The related researches of solar to hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency and material stability are summarized in detail during the development of three hydrogen production technologies. Finally, the key challenges and future development directions are discussed and prospected for the three solar hydrogen production technologies.

Automated summary

This article reviews the research progress in three solar hydrogen production technologies: photocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic, and photovoltaic electrocatalytic. It explains the basic principles of these technologies and introduces the key materials in hydrogen production. The article also summarizes the related research on the conversion efficiency of solar to hydrogen (STH) and the stability of materials. Lastly, it discusses the key challenges and future development directions for these three solar hydrogen production technologies.