The future of energy relies on sustainable resources to meet the rising demand and address the depletion of fossil fuels. Photocatalytic technology has emerged as an effective approach to producing renewable and sustainable hydrogen (H₂) through visible-light-driven water splitting and photocatalytic biomass reforming. This technology has gained significant attention for its potential to revolutionize clean energy production.

Recent advancements include the development of novel photocatalysts designed for the selective synthesis of aromatic aldehydes and imines. These photocatalysts utilize supported materials in both batch and continuous mode systems, highlighting their versatility and efficiency . Another major achievement is the production of ammonia via photocatalysis from water and nitrogen, using metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) catalysts. This process successfully demonstrated the use of various organic compounds as hole scavengers and explored the possibility of using seawater as a reactant. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed to design the unit cell of a mesostructured photoreactor, allowing for a detailed evaluation of its hydrodynamic and mass transfer behaviour.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) stands out as a powerful oxidant capable of decomposing organic pollutants in contaminated water, as well as serve as a potential energy carrier. Innovative strategies have been employed to modify graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) for enhanced H₂O₂ production, focusing on optimizing various operational parameters to maximize yield. Further improvements were made by immobilizing the photocatalyst on a 3D printed structure, aiming to refine the synthesis process and boost efficiency.

The development of advanced photoreactors using artificial light has further expanded the application of photocatalytic technology. These reactors have been successfully applied across various fields, including water and wastewater decontamination, fine chemical synthesis, hydrogen production, and oxygen evolution, showcasing the versatility and impact of photocatalysis in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and energy challenges.

Major projects in this research area include:

• Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Water Splitting and Reforming of Biomass
• Photocatalytic Organic Synthesis
• Photocatalytic Ammonia Production
• Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide
• Photocatalytic Reactors