Cutting-edge advances in W-based chalcogenides for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The pursuit of sustainable energy alternatives has intensified the focus on renewable alternatives, particularly hydrogen, owing to its high energy density and environmentally benign combustion. Photocatalytic water splitting, which harnesses sunlight to produce hydrogen, is emerging as a game-changing approach in this area. Among the many materials explored, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), especially tungsten-based materials (W), have captured significant attention for their exceptional photocatalytic properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent advancements in the field of W-based photocatalysts for hydrogen production. Subsequently, this review delves into the fundamentals of photocatalytic water splitting and the mechanisms underpinning the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The core of the review is dedicated to evaluating the photocatalytic performance of WS₂, WSe₂, and WTe₂ in hydrogen generation. By analyzing the structural, electronic, and catalytic features of these materials, we shed light on their strengths, limitations, and future potential. Finally, we outline the scope and perspectives of this review, aiming to provide insights that could drive future research and development in photocatalysis-assisted hydrogen production technologies.