Carbon-Based Materials For Hydrogen Production

The field of renewable energy research is increasingly focusing on the development of sustainable and green energy resources, with hydrogen emerging as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Hydrogen's potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly energy source has driven the search for green and cost-effective production methods. In recent decades, carbon-based materials have demonstrated significant advancements across various domains, including energy research. These materials, particularly in the form of nanostructures, have been effectively engineered to facilitate hydrogen fuel production. Despite these advancements, there remains a critical need to explore the specific roles and mechanisms of carbon-based materials in hydrogen production, particularly through photocatalytic and electrocatalytic water splitting. The potential of carbon microstructures and nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, porous carbon, and graphene, in enhancing hydrogen production, has been the primary focus. However, a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms and the challenges they present is still lacking, necessitating further investigation.

This Research Topic aims to explore the specific role of various carbon-based materials, composites, and catalysts in hydrogen production through photocatalytic and electrocatalytic water splitting. The objective is to explore the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of carbon-based materials, with a particular focus on understanding their role and mechanisms in water splitting. By addressing the challenges and promises associated with these materials, the research seeks to advance the field of renewable hydrogen fuel technology.

To gather further insights in the application of carbon-based materials for hydrogen production, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Synthesis of carbon-based materials and nanostructures for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting
- Carbon-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting
- Photoelectrocatalysis, surface chemistry, and interfaces of carbon-based materials
- Study of electronic structures of catalysts and mechanisms of catalysis
- Development of photoelectrodes and electrodes based on carbon-based materials
- Exploration of carbon-based nano-heterostructures and novel carbon nanostructures for water splitting
- Utilization of carbon-based materials as co-catalysts

Both experimental and computational research papers, as well as original research, short communications, reviews, and mini-reviews, are encouraged for submission.

Keywords: Novel Carbon-based Materials, Catalysis, Photoelectrochemical, Water splitting, Hydrogen production

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.