Recent developments in reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for photoelectrochemical water-splitting applications

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2020-04, Vol.45 (21), p.11976-11994
• Main Authors: Marlinda, A.R., Yusoff, N., Sagadevan, Suresh, Johan, M.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composites; Graphene oxide; Photoelectrochemical and water splitting
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.02.096

Graphene oxide (GO) sheets have extremely adjustable electronic characteristics due to their distinctive 2D carbon composition, allowing comprehensive surface modifications. Photodriven water splitting uses semiconducting materials that have water-decomposition electronic structures appropriate for electron and hole injection. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) is regarded as an extremely efficient energy conversion system for the manufacturing of clean solar fuel. There have been tremendous attempts to design and create feasible unassisted PEC systems that can effectively divide water to form hydrogen gas and oxygen with only solar energy input (sunlight) necessary. In particular, in the presence of a photocatalyst modified with an appropriate cocatalyst, overall PEC water splitting can be accomplished. For the development of PEC systems, the fundamental concept of PEC water splitting and enhanced energy-conversion efficiency are essential for solar fuel manufacturing. Therefore, this review paper provides a concise summary of unassisted PEC systems with state-of-the-art advancements towards effective PEC water-splitting equipment for the sustainable future use of solar energy. •Review of recent trends in photoelectrochemical water splitting applications.•Design strategies of RGO composite are reviewed systematically.•Various photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting applications of RGO composite.•Photoelectrochemical water splitting efficiency of RGO composites are summarized.•Challenges of large-scale application of RGO composite materials are proposed.