Challenges and future prospects of graphene-based hybrids for solar fuel generation: moving towards next generation photocatalysts

Abstract

Considering the current global energy crisis and the most alarming environmental pollution issues, moving towards renewable energy resources instead of fossil fuels should be the ultimate goal of modern civilization. Alternative solar fuel generation by applying heterogenous photocatalysis is one of the major approaches in renewable energy research. After the discovery of the amazing material graphene and its derivatives, it has become one of the most promising materials for efficient photocatalysis in terms of solar water splitting and CO₂ photo-reduction. However, a lot of challenges are still there in terms of efficiency, product selectivity, fabrication techniques, etc. Herein, we have provided deeper insights into the fundamental aspects of graphene/graphene oxide and their derivatives in terms of structural, electronic, and thermodynamic considerations for the fabrication of new generation photocatalysts. Finally, we have discussed the future directions and provided strategic insights to overcome the current challenges for sustainable production of solar fuels.