Photoreforming of Organic Waste into Hydrogen: Catalyst Design, Feedstock Valorization, and Future Perspectives

Mirna Omar^1,*, Sarah Omar¹, Kamaruzzaman Sopian^1,2, Taib Iskandar Mohamad¹
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
2 Center of Renewable Intelligent Sustainable Power (CRISP), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
* Corresponding Author: Mirna Omar. Email: email
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Green Hydrogen Technologies)

Energy Engineering https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2026.072583

Received 30 August 2025; Accepted 08 January 2026; Published online 28 January 2026

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Abstract

Photoreforming is an emerging photocatalytic process that converts organic waste into hydrogen H₂ using solar energy, offering a dual solution for waste valorization and sustainable fuel production. This review comprehensively examines the fundamental mechanisms of photoreforming, emphasizing the critical role of photocatalyst design in optimizing hydrogen evolution. Key criteria for effective photocatalysts including suitable band edge positions, broad spectrum solar absorption, and photostability are systematically analyzed alongside advances in heterojunction engineering and defect modulation. The review further explores diverse waste-derived feedstocks, such as biomass: alcohols, saccharides, lignin and plastics: PET, PLA, polyolefins, highlighting substrate, specific challenges and pretreatment strategies. Despite progress, challenges like catalyst deactivation, limited visible-light utilization, and scalability persist. Future directions advocate for robust photocatalyst engineering, mechanistic insights into charge dynamics, and scalable reactor designs to realize photoreforming’s potential as a sustainable hydrogen production technology.