Toward Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Renewable Energy Sources: A Review

The escalating global pursuit of environmentally benign energy alternatives has spurred intensive investigations into sustainable hydrogen generation technologies. Although hydrogen energy can be produced via multiple approaches, the integration of nanotechnology materials in its generation results in its production improvements and efficiency of the production methods. Nanotechnology, with its astonishing ability to control materials at the atomic and molecular scale, has emerged as a vital technology for improving the efficiency and affordability of hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. This technology provides a unique platform for creating materials with specific properties for energy conversion and storage. Nanotechnology is accelerating the transition to a hydrogen economy by boosting hydrogen production efficiency and storage. Its applications span from enhancing water-splitting catalysts to developing advanced membranes and photocatalysts. These nanomaterial-based innovations are crucial for producing clean hydrogen and its effective storage. Nevertheless, nanotechnology highlights the significant role of nanomaterials in overcoming the kinetic challenges associated with hydrogen evolution reactions, which can be attained through several features like increased surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and improved charge transfer. Therefore, this study explores the latest advancements in nanomaterials and their catalytic impact on hydrogen generation, particularly in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrochemical systems. The study has examined the nanomaterials’ production, characterization, and performance, their integration into renewable energy systems, and their potential for widespread commercial use.