Molecular systems for solar H-2: Path to a renewable future

Abstract

Driving the global energy system into a sustainable path is progressively becoming a major concern and worldwide policy objective. Fossil fuels serve as the primary energy source for most of the world's energy requirements. Hydrogen has great potential as an environmentally clean energy fuel and as a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The basic mechanism for natural photosynthesis is described along with different artificial photosynthetic systems, giving special attention to molecular photocatalysts. Emphasis is given to the recent advancements in design and development of bimolecular photocatalysts for the generation of H-2. These molecular systems have a key role to play in the next generation of solar fuel devices.