The use of fossil fuels is declining as clean energy from renewable sources like hydrogen becomes more prevalent. Scientists at Paderborn University are leading a research project, C2-SPORT, to investigate the production of hydrogen using solar energy and carbon materials. The project aims to create an environmentally friendly energy source by utilizing the direct Z-scheme method, inspired by natural photosynthesis, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently. By combining two semiconductors, the project seeks to improve the efficiency of water splitting for hydrogen production. Carbon-based semiconductors are highlighted as a promising option due to their good photocatalytic activity, lightness compared to other materials, cost-effectiveness, and abundance. Researchers hope that understanding and utilizing carbon semiconductors could lead to the development of highly efficient catalysts and devices for artificial photosynthesis, paving the way for a significant advancement in clean hydrogen energy production.