Nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion: Advances and challenges

Vijay A. Mane; Dnyaneshwar V. Dake; Nita D. Raskar; Ramprasad B. Sonpir; Kartik M. Chavan; Sushant S. Munde; Pavan R. Kayande; Jagruti S. Pawar; Sandeep B. Somvanshi; Babasaheb N. Dole

doi:10.1016/j.ssc.2025.116282

Nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion: Advances and challenges

Vijay A. Mane
, Dnyaneshwar V. Dake
, Nita D. Raskar
, Ramprasad B. Sonpir
, Kartik M. Chavan
, Sushant S. Munde
, Pavan R. Kayande
, Jagruti S. Pawar
, Sandeep B. Somvanshi
, Babasaheb N. Dole

Department of Physics

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
Hi-Tech Institute of Technology
Purdue University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

This review systematically analyzes the latest advances in nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion. Comprehensive discussions cover the development of oxide, chalcogenide, perovskite, MXene, and carbon nanostructures. Key sections detail design principles, including band-gap engineering, defect creation, surface modification, and heterojunction formation. Experimental synthesis methods such as hydrothermal, solvothermal, and green chemistry are assessed, with performance data provided–for example, CuO nanoparticles achieving 41.57 mA cm⁻² at 0.6 V and Sb₂Se₃ yielding 30 mA cm⁻² for water splitting. The review highlights numerical metrics for photocurrent enhancement, stability, and solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies, along with practical examples of hybrid and composite photoelectrodes. Applications in solar fuel generation, pollutant degradation, and energy storage are critically evaluated. The work concludes with future directions for scalable, sustainable PEC nanotechnologies.

Original language	English
Article number	116282
Journal	Solid State Communications
Volume	409
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssc.2025.116282
Publication status	Published - 1 Feb 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Keywords

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)
Nanomaterials
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER)
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion
Water splitting

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10.1016/j.ssc.2025.116282

Cite this

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title = "Nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion: Advances and challenges",

abstract = "This review systematically analyzes the latest advances in nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion. Comprehensive discussions cover the development of oxide, chalcogenide, perovskite, MXene, and carbon nanostructures. Key sections detail design principles, including band-gap engineering, defect creation, surface modification, and heterojunction formation. Experimental synthesis methods such as hydrothermal, solvothermal, and green chemistry are assessed, with performance data provided–for example, CuO nanoparticles achieving 41.57 mA cm−2 at 0.6 V and Sb2Se3 yielding 30 mA cm−2 for water splitting. The review highlights numerical metrics for photocurrent enhancement, stability, and solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies, along with practical examples of hybrid and composite photoelectrodes. Applications in solar fuel generation, pollutant degradation, and energy storage are critically evaluated. The work concludes with future directions for scalable, sustainable PEC nanotechnologies.",

keywords = "Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), Nanomaterials, Oxygen evolution reaction (OER), Photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion, Water splitting",

author = "Mane, \{Vijay A.\} and Dake, \{Dnyaneshwar V.\} and Raskar, \{Nita D.\} and Sonpir, \{Ramprasad B.\} and Chavan, \{Kartik M.\} and Munde, \{Sushant S.\} and Kayande, \{Pavan R.\} and Pawar, \{Jagruti S.\} and Somvanshi, \{Sandeep B.\} and Dole, \{Babasaheb N.\}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 Elsevier Ltd.",

year = "2026",

month = feb,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1016/j.ssc.2025.116282",

language = "English",

volume = "409",

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TY - JOUR

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T2 - Advances and challenges

AU - Mane, Vijay A.

AU - Dake, Dnyaneshwar V.

AU - Raskar, Nita D.

AU - Sonpir, Ramprasad B.

AU - Chavan, Kartik M.

AU - Munde, Sushant S.

AU - Kayande, Pavan R.

AU - Pawar, Jagruti S.

AU - Somvanshi, Sandeep B.

AU - Dole, Babasaheb N.

PY - 2026/2/1

Y1 - 2026/2/1

N2 - This review systematically analyzes the latest advances in nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion. Comprehensive discussions cover the development of oxide, chalcogenide, perovskite, MXene, and carbon nanostructures. Key sections detail design principles, including band-gap engineering, defect creation, surface modification, and heterojunction formation. Experimental synthesis methods such as hydrothermal, solvothermal, and green chemistry are assessed, with performance data provided–for example, CuO nanoparticles achieving 41.57 mA cm−2 at 0.6 V and Sb2Se3 yielding 30 mA cm−2 for water splitting. The review highlights numerical metrics for photocurrent enhancement, stability, and solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies, along with practical examples of hybrid and composite photoelectrodes. Applications in solar fuel generation, pollutant degradation, and energy storage are critically evaluated. The work concludes with future directions for scalable, sustainable PEC nanotechnologies.

AB - This review systematically analyzes the latest advances in nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion. Comprehensive discussions cover the development of oxide, chalcogenide, perovskite, MXene, and carbon nanostructures. Key sections detail design principles, including band-gap engineering, defect creation, surface modification, and heterojunction formation. Experimental synthesis methods such as hydrothermal, solvothermal, and green chemistry are assessed, with performance data provided–for example, CuO nanoparticles achieving 41.57 mA cm−2 at 0.6 V and Sb2Se3 yielding 30 mA cm−2 for water splitting. The review highlights numerical metrics for photocurrent enhancement, stability, and solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies, along with practical examples of hybrid and composite photoelectrodes. Applications in solar fuel generation, pollutant degradation, and energy storage are critically evaluated. The work concludes with future directions for scalable, sustainable PEC nanotechnologies.

KW - Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)

KW - Nanomaterials

KW - Oxygen evolution reaction (OER)

KW - Photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion

KW - Water splitting

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DO - 10.1016/j.ssc.2025.116282

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:105024880911

SN - 0038-1098

VL - 409

JO - Solid State Communications

JF - Solid State Communications

M1 - 116282

ER -

Nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion: Advances and challenges

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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