Photoassisted H2 production by metal oxide nanomaterials fabricated through CVD-based approaches

The development of efficient photocatalytic nanomaterials is of outstanding importance for the conversion ofelectromagnetic radiation into chemical energy. Among the various technological options, photoreforming ofaqueous media containing suitable organic oxygenates is an attractive strategy towards a sustainable H2generation. In this regard, the present contribution will provide a survey of our recent research activities onphotoactivated H2 production over supported oxide-based nanosystems. Their preparation is carried out byoriginal synthetic routes based on chemical vapor deposition (CVD), either thermal or plasma-enhanced(PE-CVD), in some cases combined with radio frequency (RF) sputtering. In particular, we will presentand discuss the synthesis, characterization and functional performances of two material classes: (i) singlephaseundoped (CuxO, with x = 1, 2; Co3O4) and anion-doped (F:Co3O4) metal oxides; (ii) oxide-basednanocomposites (Ag/ZnO and CuO/ZnO). Beside highlighting the potential of CVD routes in achieving specificnanosystem properties, the future challenges and perspectives for research advancements in these fields willalso be outlined.