The growing global energy demand, primarily met by fossil fuels, is causing severe environmental damage. Transitioning to renewable energy is essential, but challenges such as variability and energy storage hinder its adoption. Hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, offers a promising solution as it can be stored safely and used in fuel cells or combustion with minimal environmental impact. Photocatalytic water splitting, using semiconductor materials like TiO₂, ZnO, and g-C₃N₄, is a promising method for hydrogen production. However, these materials have limited visible-light absorption and often require noble-metal co-catalysts, which are scarce and expensive.

Carbon nanomaterials, particularly nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO), present a viable alternative due to their high conductivity, large surface area, and ability to enhance charge separation in photocatalysts. Hybrid photocatalysts combining NrGO with TiO₂, ZnO, or g-C₃N₄ show improved efficiency in solar-driven hydrogen generation.

This project aims to develop noble metal-free photocatalysts using an innovative UV laser-assisted synthesis method. This approach simultaneously reduces and dopes GO while forming semiconductor nanostructures, enabling cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly production. By overcoming limitations of conventional methods, this research advances clean hydrogen production, contributing to a sustainable energy future.