Device Fabrication for Water Oxidation, Hydrogen Generation, and CO2 Reduction via Molecular Engineering

Research on the storage of solar energy in terms of hydrogen or carbon-based fuels by using sunlight to split water or to reduce CO2, respectively, has gained significant attention in recent years. Among reported water-splitting systems, one approach has focused on hybrid systems with molecular catalysts or molecular light-harvesting systems that are combined with nanostructured materials. In this perspective we summarize recent developments in operation and fabrication strategies for various water-splitting devices constructed from electrodes (electrochemical cells) or photoelectrodes (photoelectrochemical cells) using molecular engineering. We also provide insights into the factors that influence device efficiency and stability, and provide guidelines for future fabrication strategies for more advanced devices.