Executive Summary : | Energy consumption is experiencing a notable surge, predominantly driven by the extensive utilization of fossil fuels, thereby resulting in a substantial rise in carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, it becomes imperative to prioritize rigorous research focused on harnessing inexhaustible, eco-friendly, and economically viable green energy sources. Nevertheless, the quest for efficient, abundant, and economically feasible alternatives that can effectively replace conventional fossil fuels remains a formidable challenge in the realm of ensuring energy security. Hydrogen is widely recognized as a most promising green energy carrier owing to its exceptional attributes such as high energy density, environmental compatibility, and availability. However, conventional methods employed for large-scale hydrogen production have been associated with the release of greenhouse gas, thereby undermining their ecological credentials. Therefore, the pursuit of clean and renewable hydrogen energy production has gained significant traction, particularly with the advent of solar-driven catalytic processes. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting technology plays a vital role in the global pursuit of carbon neutrality, as it holds significant importance in the production of environmentally friendly hydrogen energy. Photocatalysts are essential components of PEC water-splitting systems as they effectively minimize electricity consumption and play a crucial role in achieving desired efficiency. However, several critical aspects pertaining to PEC water-splitting remained as significant research gaps in the current literature. These include investigating the stability and efficiency of photoelectrodes in challenging electrolyte environments, understanding the intricate nature of electrode/interface layers and electrical double layers, and comprehending the influence of water molecules and reaction intermediates. Addressing these research gaps will contribute to advancing our knowledge and enhancing the overall efficiency of PEC water-splitting process. The primary objective of this research proposal is to address the significant limitations associated with the suboptimal performance of PEC systems by devising a novel photocatalytic approach through tailored semiconductor materials. This entails selecting appropriate host semiconductors to form heterojunctions and integrating two-dimensional photoactive material and noble metals to construct a hybrid photoactive photoelectrode. By adopting this integrated approach, we aim to investigate the synergistic effects arising from these strategic components. Through a comprehensive exploration of the combined influence of these elements, we anticipate achieving significantly enhanced performance and improved efficiency in our PEC system. The implementation of essential synthesis and fabrication techniques will play a pivotal role in attaining the anticipated outcomes. |