One-dimensional nanotube architectures for photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

One-dimensional (1D) nanotube architectures have found extensive applications in photocatalytic hydrogen generation. However, a systematic review comprehensively discussing the characteristics of these architectures and their specific applications in this field is still lacking. In this review, we first summarized the fundamentals of photocatalytic hydrogen generation and the major categories of nanotube architectures, with a particular focus on the unique features of nanotubes for photocatalytic hydrogen generation, including increased specific surface area, spatial confinement effect, cavity enhancement effect, enhanced axial and radial electron transport, reaction interface separation induced by coaxial heterostructures, improved hydrogen nucleation and diffusion, and adaptability to various photocatalytic systems. We reviewed the major categories of nanotube architectures, summarizing the overview, synthesis methods, and specific applications in wired and unwired photocatalytic hydrogen generation of the following systems: transition and metalloid oxysalts, TiO2, other metal oxides and their derivatives, transition metal pnictides and chalcogenides, carbon, carbon nitride and derivatives, other inorganic non-metallic materials, organic and organic–inorganic hybrid materials, and nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH). Finally, we explored theoretical modeling and calculations of 1D nanotube architectures for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. This review aims to systematically summarize the common and unique features of nanotubes in photocatalytic hydrogen generation, providing insights to advance research in this field.