How Does Photocatalytic Water Splitting Work?

Solar water splitting is the process by which energy in solar photons is used to break down liquid water into molecules of hydrogen and oxygen gas. Hydrogen produced through solar water does not emit carbon into the atmosphere.

How does water splitting occur?

Water splitting is the chemical reaction in which water is broken down into oxygen and hydrogen: 2 H2O → 2 H2 + O. ... A version of water splitting occurs in photosynthesis, but hydrogen is not produced. The reverse of water splitting is the basis of the hydrogen fuel cell.

How does electrochemical water splitting work?

Electrolytic water splitting is driven by passing the electrical current through the water, where conversion of the electrical energy to chemical energy takes place at the electrode-solution interface through charge transfer reactions in a unit called an electrolyser [34].

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.