Abstract: With the rapid depletion of fossil fuels and increasing pollution,  the development and utilization  of clean energy are becoming increasingly important. Photocatalytic technology that  converts solar energy into clean hydrogen energy  is  an effective solution. It is necessary to solve the contradiction between  the bandgap of photocatalysts and the intensity of sunlight  due to limitations in water splitting electrode potential. Therefore,  it is highly significant to develop and utilize photocatalysts with visible light  response capability. We review  the development and principles of photocatalysts,  discuss their immense potential for advancement, and introduce the most  common photocatalysts and  current research progress.

Key words: photocatalysis,  , hydrogen,  , water splitting