This review elucidates the pivotal role of polyoxometalates (POMs) in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, an emerging field with profound implications for sustainable hydrogen production. POMs, characterized by their versatile metal oxide clusters, exhibit remarkable efficacy as co-catalysts, enhancing the efficiency and performance of PEC systems. Through precise modulation of charge separation dynamics and promotion of efficient charge transfer kinetics at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface, POMs significantly augment the overall efficiency of PEC devices. Their inherent attributes, including broad-spectrum light absorption and exceptional chemical stability, underscore their suitability for solar-driven electrolysis, offering a viable pathway towards sustainable hydrogen generation. This review underscores the strategic importance of POMs in optimizing the functionality of key semiconductors employed in PEC, such as BiVO4, CdS, Si, Fe2O3, and TiO2, thereby advancing the frontiers of renewable energy conversion technologies. Additionally, the exploration of innovative strategies for enhancing POM-based photoelectrodes, encompassing tailored surface modifications and synergistic tandem cell configurations, underscores the indispensable role of POMs in catalyzing the transition towards efficient and scalable hydrogen production methodologies.

中文翻译：

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推动可持续能源：多金属氧酸盐 （POM） 在光电化学制氢中的作用


本文阐明了多金属氧酸盐 （POM） 在光电化学 （PEC） 分解水中的关键作用，这是一个对可持续氢气生产具有深远影响的新兴领域。POM 的特点是其多功能的金属氧化物簇，作为助催化剂表现出非凡的功效，可提高 PEC 系统的效率和性能。通过精确调节电荷分离动力学和促进半导体-电解质界面的高效电荷转移动力学，POM 显着提高了 PEC 器件的整体效率。它们的固有属性，包括广谱光吸收和卓越的化学稳定性，强调了它们适用于太阳能驱动的电解，为可持续制氢提供了可行的途径。本文强调了 POM 在优化 PEC 中采用的关键半导体（如 BiVO4、CdS、Si、Fe2O3 和 TiO2）功能方面的战略重要性，从而推动了可再生能源转换技术的前沿。此外，探索增强基于 POM 的光电电极的创新策略，包括定制的表面修饰和协同串联电池配置，强调了 POM 在催化向高效和可扩展的制氢方法过渡方面不可或缺的作用。