Photocorrosion inhibition of sulphide-based nanomaterials for energy production through photocatalytic water splitting

To overcome the energy shortage and environmental pollution, sunlight is considered an ideal source to solve these problems. Photocatalyst water splitting for H-2 production by using solar energy is a favourable technology to deal with the energy shortage, global warming and environmental pollution. During the last few years, sulphide-based nanomaterial photocatalysts have attained considerable attention due to their comparatively narrow bandgap energy, show excitation in the visible region, at a wavelength of about 600 nm, and thus demonstrate high photocatalytic activities. But semiconductor photocatalysts are easy to be photocorroded due to sensitivity in visible light. The photocorrosion hinder their photocatalytic performance. In order to overcome photocorrosion effects, some modifications in the photocatalysts' surface are required, for example adjusting the metal sulphide structure, depositing anti-photocorrosion layers or nanoparticles on the surface of semiconductors, which inhibit the photocorrosion attack and sustain the stability. In this review, we discuss progress in the structure, preparation methods, H-2 evolution rate, photocorrosion inhibition and energy and environmental applications of different sulphide-based nanomaterial photocatalysts.

Automated summary

This review discusses the potential role of sulphide-based nanomaterial photocatalysts in addressing energy, global warming, and environmental issues. While these photocatalysts show excellent performance in visible light, they are susceptible to photocorrosion and require surface modifications to enhance stability.