Photocatalytic hydrogen production using metal nanoparticle-modified semiconductors

Main Article Content

David Ramírez Ortega
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3643-0710
Diana Clemencia Guerrero Araque
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6204-5525
Próspero Acevedo Peña
Rodolfo Zanella-Specia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2118-5898

Abstract

This review paper focuses on photocatalytic hydrogen production using sacrificial agents and semiconductors modified with metal nanoparticles. While the use of sacrificial agents reduces the energy required for hydrogen production and eliminates the recombination of photogenerated holes, the surface modification of semiconductors with metal nanoparticles changes the flow of photoinduced charge carriers, decreasing the recombination of electron-hole pairs and increasing the number of catalytic active sites for reduction. In addition, the impact of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical techniques on the characterization of the photocatalysts, the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, and the modification of the Fermi level when these components are in contact is described. These electrochemical determinations provide information on the band diagram (valence and/or conduction band positions), energy states of the semiconductor, interaction of the photocatalyst with the co-catalysts, separation of the electron-hole species, use of illumination, and resistance to charge transfer. Establishing a relationship between the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors and their electrochemical characterization allows understand the charge transfer processes involved in such a reaction.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ramírez Ortega, D., Guerrero Araque, D. C., Acevedo Peña, P., & Zanella-Specia, R. (2024). Photocatalytic hydrogen production using metal nanoparticle-modified semiconductors. Mundo Nano. Interdisciplinary Journal on Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, 17(33), 1e-27e. https://doi.org/10.22201/ceiich.24485691e.2024.33.69825
Section
Review articles
Author Biography

Rodolfo Zanella-Specia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología

Ingeniero químico y maestro en Ingeniería química por la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Doctor en Ingeniería y Alta Tecnología por la Universidad Paris VI, ha publicado 160 artículos en revistas indizadas y 5 capítulos de libro relacionados con la síntesis de nanocatalizadores y su uso para abatir la contaminación del aire y del agua, así como para la producción de combustibles limpios como el hidrógeno. Ha dirigido 56 tesis de todos los niveles académicos, en 2013 fue merecedor de la Distinción Universidad Nacional para Jóvenes Académicos en el área de investigación en Ciencias Exactas. Pertenece al Sistema Nacional de Investigadores en el nivel III. Actualmente es Investigador Titular en e Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología-UNAM.

Scopus Author ID: 7004070438

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2118-5898

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