Recent advances in quantum dot catalysts for hydrogen evolution: Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic application

Abstract

Abstract Photocatalytic water splitting is beneficial for the effective mitigation of global energy and environmental crises. Owing to multi‐exciton generation, impressive light harvesting, and excellent photochemical properties, the quantum dot (QD)‐based catalysts reveal a considerable potential in photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production compared with bulk competitors. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in QDs for photocatalytic H2 production by enumerating different synthetic and characterization strategies for QDs. Various QDs‐based photocatalysts are introduced and summarized in categories, and the role of different QDs in varied systems, as well as the mechanism and key factors that enhance the photocatalytic H2 generation performance, is discussed. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives in the exploration of highly efficient QDs‐based photocatalysts for innovative applications are highlighted.

Keywords

• characterization
• functions of QDs
• hydrogen evolution reaction
• quantum dots
• synthesis