Utilization of Oman and Qatar Sustainable Solar Energy for the Production of Green Hydrogen Energy

The demand for sustainable production of hydrogen, a clean fuel has grown due to global warming issues. The conversion of solar energy to green hydrogen by means of photocatalytic water splitting reaction, an inexpensive renewable resource under solar energy/visible light is one of the most promising green technologies. Much research has been devoted in this field, but the technology is yet to be fully commercialized. The availability of vast renewable energy sources in Qatar and Oman means that both the countries can employ renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind and various hybrid power models to mitigate against heavy reliance on fossil fuel. This will result in sustainable economic development and creation of new jobs as well as preservation of a cleaner environment. Due to its 6th global position with respect to solar energy, Oman and Qatar have the potential to lead the ?Green hydrogen? production from the abundant solar energy. Theoretically, infrared light with minimum input energy of 1.23 eV (1008 nm) is enough for water splitting, however the reaction is too slow and thus not commercially viable. On the other hand, with UV-visible light with wavelength of 180 nm (6.9 eV), the photolysis of water can occur due to transparency to visible light. Semiconductors fulfilling the above energy requirements under visible light can split water producing hydrogen. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows special semiconductor properties and shows unexpected catalytic activity for the water splitting reaction under solar/visible light. However, the catalyst decay and recombination of charge carriers generated during excitation are the factors that determine the photocatalytic efficiency. Therefore, the present proposal focuses on the strategic development of efficient, stable, economically viable and eco-friendly green photocatalyst to produce green hydrogen from water. The developed g-C3N4 materials will be characterized by different advanced analytical techniques (XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, HR-TEM with SAED, XPS, PL, photocurrent density, Raman and DRS UV-Vis). This project will explore the fundamental understanding of the relationship between the structure and the solar-driven photocatalytic performance of the g-C3N4 for the production of hydrogen fuel through water splitting reactions. In Sultanate of Oman and Qatar, studies have not been undertaken to produce hydrogen fuel through water splitting using renewable solar energy. Therefore, the present research proposal will focus on the development of pristine and modified g-C3N4 photocatalytic materials for the production of green hydrogen fuel from water splitting reaction under visible and solar light and will be carried out in collaboration with International Universities, Research Centers at SQU and QU and Industries in Qatar and Oman. The project will develop scientific and research skills and expertise in the Qatar and Oman.