H2O and Sunlight as an Alternative to Petroleum Fuels; Pros and Cons

Prasad P.; Shrinivasa Mayya D.; Savitha M. B.

doi:10.37591/joaest.v13i1.6098

Abstract

The increased requirements of energy and the increased rate of pollution have forced us to find an alternative to petroleum fuels. The tremendous research on nonmaterials has opened new opportunities for the utilization of renewable energy. Semiconductor nanotechnologies are contributing towards their applications in hydrogen fuel production by splitting water by using solar energy. This review report gives the introduction to water-splitting, electrolysis of water, photosynthesis, photocatalytic water-splitting, photoelectrochemical water-splitting, factors influencing photocatalytic activity, and tandem cells with their advantages and limitations. The review concludes with the possible devices for the effective production of hydrogen fuel, and a system with a combined artificial photosynthesis water-splitting system with a hydrogen fuel cell as an alternative to petroleum fuels.