Powering Purity and Fuel: Solar Energy for Clean Water and Green Hydrogen

Abstract

The escalating demand for sustainable energy and clean water has positioned solar energy as a transformative solution to address these global challenges. This review explores the dual role of solar energy in advancing water purification and large-scale hydrogen production. It presents an in-depth analysis of recent technological breakthroughs in solar-driven processes such as desalination, photocatalysis, and solar-assisted filtration, all of which offer environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to conventional water treatment methods. Simultaneously, solar-enabled hydrogen generation techniques—including photovoltaic electrolysis, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, and thermochemical cycles—are gaining momentum as viable pathways for clean fuel production. The paper evaluates the current status of these emerging technologies, discusses key technical and economic barriers, and outlines prospective directions for future research and innovation. By leveraging solar energy, significant strides can be made toward achieving global water and energy security, while also facilitating the transition to a hydrogen-based economy and sustainable resource management.