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Article · Catalysts · December 10, 2025

Recent Advances and Techno-Economic Prospects of Silicon Carbide-Based Photoelectrodes for Solar-Driven Hydrogen Generation

Dina I. Bakranova, Abay S. Serikkanov, Ф. Р. Капсаламова, Murat K. Rakhimzhanov, Zhanar Mukash, Nurlan B. Bakranov

Dina Bakranova
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Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) has attracted increasing attention as a robust photoelectrode material for solar water splitting due to its exceptional chemical stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to photocorrosion. Recent advances in nanostructuring—particularly the development of nanoporous SiC architectures—have dramatically improved light absorption, charge separation, and charge transport in this material. This review summarizes current strategies to enhance the PEC performance of SiC, including hierarchical nanostructuring, defect engineering (e.g., doping to tailor band structure), heterojunction formation with co-catalysts, and incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles. Remaining challenges are discussed, notably the wide band gap of common SiC polytypes (limiting visible-light utilization) and rapid charge-carrier recombination. In addition, we examine the techno-economic prospects for SiC-based PEC systems, outlining the efficiency and durability benchmarks required for commercial hydrogen production. Finally, we propose future research directions to achieve efficient, durable SiC photoelectrodes and to guide the development of scalable PEC water-splitting devices. This review uniquely integrates material design strategies with techno-economic evaluation, providing a roadmap for SiC-based PEC systems.

Advanced Photocatalysis TechniquesSilicon Carbide Semiconductor TechnologiesIron oxide chemistry and applicationssilicon carbidephotoelectrodessolar water splitting

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