Templated synthesis of transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions

Transition metal phosphides(TMPs)have been regarded as alternative hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)catalysts owing to their comparable activity to those of noble metal-based catalysts.TMPs have been produced in various morphologies,including hollow and porous nanostructures,which are features deemed desirable for electrocatalytic materials.Templated synthesis routes are often responsible for such morphologies.This paper reviews the latest advances and existing challenges in the synthesis of TMP-based OER and HER catalysts through templated methods.A comprehensive review of the structure-property-performance of TMP-based HER and OER catalysts prepared using different templates is presented.The discussion proceeds according to application,first by HER and further divided among the types of templates used-from hard templates,sacrificial templates,and soft templates to the emerging dynamic hydrogen bubble template.OER catalysts are then reviewed and grouped according to their morphology.Finally,prospective research directions for the synthesis of hollow and porous TMP-based catalysts,such as improvements on both activity and stability of TMPs,design of environmentally benign templates and processes,and analysis of the reaction mechanism through advanced material characterization techniques and theoretical calculations,are suggested.

Recent advances and future prospects on Ni_(3)S_(2)-Based electrocatalysts for efficient alkaline water electrolysis

Green hydrogen(H_(2))produced by renewable energy powered alkaline water electrolysis is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its high energy density with zero-carbon emissions.However,efficient and economic H_(2) production by alkaline water electrolysis is hindered by the sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Therefore,it is imperative to design and fabricate high-active and low-cost non-precious metal catalysts to improve the HER and OER performance,which affects the energy efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis.Ni_(3)S_(2) with the heazlewoodite structure is a potential electrocatalyst with near-metal conductivity due to the Ni–Ni metal network.Here,the review comprehensively presents the recent progress of Ni_(3)S_(2)-based electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrocatalysis.Herein,the HER and OER mechanisms,performance evaluation criteria,preparation methods,and strategies for performance improvement of Ni_(3)S_(2)-based electrocatalysts are discussed.The challenges and perspectives are also analyzed.

MXenes and heterostructures-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction:Recent developments and future outlook

The increasing focus on electrocatalysis for sustainable hydrogen(H_(2))production has prompted significant interest in MXenes,a class of two-dimensional(2D)materials comprising metal carbides,carbonitrides,and nitrides.These materials exhibit intriguing chemical and physical properties,including excellent electrical conductivity and a large surface area,making them attractive candidates for the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).This scientific review explores recent advancements in MXene-based electrocatalysts for HER kinetics.It discusses various compositions,functionalities,and explicit design principles while providing a comprehensive overview of synthesis methods,exceptional properties,and electro-catalytic approaches for H_(2) production via electrochemical reactions.Furthermore,challenges and future prospects in designing MXenes-based electrocatalysts with enhanced kinetics are highlighted,emphasizing the potential of incorporating different metals to expand the scope of electrochemical reactions.This review suggests possible efforts for developing advanced MXenes-based electrocatalysts,particularly for efficient H_(2) generation through electrochemical water-splitting reactions..

Fullerenes and derivatives as electrocatalysts: Promises and challenges

Carbon-based metal-free nanomaterials are promising alternatives to precious metals as electrocatalysts of key energy storage and conversion technologies.Of paramount significance are the establishment of design principles by understanding the catalytic mechanisms and identifying the active sites.Distinct from sp2-conjugated graphene and carbon nanotube,fullerene possesses unique characteristics that are growingly being discovered and exploited by the electrocatalysis community.For instance,the well-defined atomic and molecular structures,the good electron affinity to tune the electronic structures of other substances,the intermolecular self-assembly into superlattices,and the on-demand chemical modification have endowed fullerene with incomparable advantages as electrocatalysts that are otherwise not applicable to other carbon ma-terials.As increasing studies are being reported on this intriguing topic,it is necessary to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the recent progress.This review takes such an initiative by summarizing the promises and challenges in the electrocatalytic applications of fullerene and its derivatives.The content is structured according to the composition and structure of fullerene,including intact fullerene(e.g.,fullerene composite and superlattices)and fullerene derivatives(e.g.,doped,endohedral,and disintegrated fullerene).The synthesis,characterization,catalytic mechanisms,and deficiencies of these fullerene-based materials are explicitly elaborated.We conclude it by sharing our perspectives on the key aspects that future efforts shall consider.

Durable hierarchical phosphorus‐doped biphase MoS_(2)electrocatalysts with enhanced H^(*)adsorption

Phase engineering is an efficient strategy for enhancing the kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions.Herein,phase engineering was employed to prepare high‐performance phosphorous‐doped biphase(1T/2H)MoS_(2)(P‐BMS)nanoflakes for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).The doping of MoS_(2)with P atoms modifies its electronic structure and optimizes its electrocatalytic reaction kinetics,which significantly enhances its electrical conductivity and structural stability,which are verified by various characterization tools,including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy,high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy,X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy,and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure.Moreover,the hierarchically formed flakes of P‐BMS provide numerous catalytic surface‐active sites,which remarkably enhance its HER activity.The optimized P‐BMS electrocatalysts exhibit low overpotentials(60 and 72 mV at 10 mA cm^(−2))in H_(2)SO_(4)(0.5 M)and KOH(1.0 M),respectively.The mechanism of improving the HER activity of the material was systematically studied using density functional theory calculations and various electrochemical characterization techniques.This study has shown that phase engineering is a promising strategy for enhancing the H*adsorption of metal sulfides.

Beads-on-string hierarchical structured electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Rational design of hierarchically structured electrocatalysts is particularly important for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Here,ZIF-67 crystals are stringed on core-shell Ag@C nanocables using a coordinationmodulated process.Upon pyrolysis,Ag@C strings of Co nanoparticles embedded with three-dimensional porous carbon with beads-on-string hierarchical structures are developed.Due to the advantages of the rich electrochemical active sites of Co-based“beads”and the efficient electron transfer pathways via Ag@C“strings,”the resultant NH_(3)-Ag@C@Co-N-C-700 catalyst shows an improved electrocatalytic activity toward ORR.NH_(3)-Ag@C@Co-N-C-700 shows a high onset potential of 0.99 V versus RHE,a high half-wave potential of 0.88 V versus RHE,and a large limiting current of 5.8 mA cm^(-2),which are better than those of commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts.Additionally,the NH_(3)-Ag@C@Co-N-C-700 catalyst shows high stability and preeminent methanol tolerance,which makes NH_(3)-Ag@C@Co-N-C-700 a promising catalyst for oxygen electrocatalysis in fuel cell applications.

Optimizing band structure of CoP nanoparticles via rich-defect carbon shell toward bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Transition-metal phosphides(TMPs)with high catalytic activity are widely used in the design of electrodes for water splitting.However,a major challenge is how to achieve the trade-off between activity and stability of TMPs.Herein,a novel method for synthesizing CoP nanoparticles encapsu-lated in a rich-defect carbon shell(CoP/DCS)is developed through the self-assembly of modified polycyclic aromatic molecules.The graft and removal of high-activity C-N bonds of aromatic molecules render the controllable design of crystallite defects of carbon shell.The density functional theory calculation indicates that the carbon defects with unpaired electrons could effectively tailor the band structure of CoP.Benefiting from the improved activity and corrosion resistance,the CoP/DCS delivers outstanding difunctional hydrogen evolution reaction(88 mV)and oxygen evolution reaction(251 mV)performances at 10 mA cm^(−2)current density.Furthermore,the coupled water electrolyzer with CoP/DCS as both the cathode and anode presents ultralow cell voltages of 1.49 V to achieve 10 mA cm^(−2)with long-time stability.This strategy to improve TMPs electrocatalyst with rich-DCS and heterogeneous structure will inspire the design of other transition metal compound electrocatalysts for water splitting.

Single-atom electrocatalysts for lithium-sulfur chemistry:Design principle,mechanism,and outlook

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)have been regarded as one of the promising candidates for the next-generation“lithium-ion battery beyond”owing to their high energy density and due to the low cost of sulfur.However,the main obstacles encountered in the commercial implementation of LSBs are the notorious shuttle effect,retarded sulfur redox kinetics,and uncontrolled dendrite growth.Accordingly,single-atom catalysts(SACs),which have ultrahigh catalytic efficiency,tunable coordination configuration,and light weight,have shown huge potential in the field of LSBs to date.This review summarizes the recent research progress of SACs applied as multifunctional components in LSBs.The design principles and typical synthetic strategies of SACs toward effective Li–S chemistry as well as the working mechanism promoting sulfur conversion reactions,inhibiting the lithium polysulfide shuttle effect,and regulating Li+nucleation are comprehensively illustrated.Potential future directions in terms of research on SACs for the realization of commercially viable LSBs are also outlined.

Constructing P-CoMoO_(4)@NiCoP heterostructure nanoarrays on Ni foam as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Improving catalytic activity and durabilty through the structural and compositional development of bifunctional electrocatalysts with low cost,high activity and stability is a challenging issue in electrochemical water splitting.Herein,we report the fabrication of heterostructured P-CoMoO_(4)@NiCoP on a Ni foam substrate through interface engineering,by adjusting its composition and architecture.Benefitting from the tailored electronic structure and exposed active sites,the heterostructured P-CoMoO_(4)@NiCoP/NF arrays can be coordinated to boost the overall water splitting.In addition,the superhydrophilic and superaerophobic properties of P-CoMoO_(4)@NiCoP/NF make it conducive to water dissociation and bubble separation in the electrocatalytic process.The heterostructured PCoMoO_(4)@NiCoP/NF exhibits excellent bifunctional electrocatalysis activity with a low overpotential of 66 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2) for HER and 252 mV at 100 mA cm^(-2) for OER.Only 1.62 V potential is required to deliver 20 mA cm^(-2) in a two-electrode electrolysis system,providing a decent overall water splitting performance.The rational construction of the heterostructure makes it possible to regulate the electronic structures and active sites of the electrocatalysts to promote their catalytic activity.

Recent advances of bismuth-based electrocatalysts for CO_(2)reduction:Strategies,mechanism and applications

Electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR),driven by clean electric energy such as solar and wind,can not only alleviate environmental greenhouse effect stemming from excessive CO_(2)emissions,but also realize the storage of renewable energy,for it guarantees the production of value-added chemicals and fuels.Among CO_(2)RR products,formic acid shows great advantages in low energy consumption and high added-value,and thus producing formic acid is generally considered as a profitable line for CO_(2)RR.Bismuth-based electrocatalysts exhibit high formic acid selectivity in CO_(2)RR.Herein,we review the recent progress in bismuth-based electrocatalysts for CO_(2)RR,including material synthesis,performance optimization/validation,and electrolyzers.The effects of morphologies,structure,and composition of bismuth-based electrocatalysts on CO_(2)RR performance are highlighted.Simultaneously,in situ spectroscopic characterization and DFT calculations for reaction mechanism of CO_(2)RR on Bi-based catalysts are emphasized.The applications and optimization of electrolyzers with high current density for CO_(2)RR are summarized.Finally,conclusions and future directions in this field are prospected.

Compositional engineering of HKUST-1/sulfidized NiMn-LDH on functionalized MWCNTs as remarkable bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting

Water-splitting reactions such as the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and the oxygen evolution reaction(OER)typically require expensive noble metal-based electrocatalysts.This has motivated researchers to develop novel,cost-effective electrocatalytic systems.In this study,a new multicomponent nanocomposite was assembled by combining functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes,a Cu-based metal–organic framework(MOF)(HKUST-1 or HK),and a sulfidized NiMn-layered double hydroxide(NiMn-S).The resulting nanocomposite,abbreviated as MW/HK/NiMn-S,features a unique architecture,high porosity,numerous electroactive Cu/Ni/Mn sites,fast charge transfer,excellent structural stability,and conductivity.At a current density of 10 mA cm-2,this dual-function electrocatalyst shows remarkable performance,with ultralow overpotential values of 163 mV(OER)or 73 mV(HER),as well as low Tafel slopes(57 and 75 mV dec-1,respectively).Additionally,its high turnover frequency values(4.43 s-1 for OER;3.96 s-1 for HER)are significantly superior to those of standard noble metal-based Pt/C and IrO2 systems.The synergistic effect of the nanocomposite's different components is responsible for its enhanced electrocatalytic performance.A density functional theory study revealed that the multi-interface and multicomponent heterostructure contribute to increased electrical conductivity and decreased energy barrier,resulting in superior electrocatalytic HER/OER activity.This study presents a novel vision for designing advanced electrocatalysts with superior performance in water splitting.Various composites have been utilized in water-splitting applications.This study investigates the use of the MW/HK/NiMn-S electrocatalyst for water splitting for the first time to indicate the synergistic effect between carbon-based materials along with layered double hydroxide compounds and porous compounds of MOF.The unique features of each component in this composite can be an interesting topic in the field of water splitting.

Machine Learning-Assisted Low-Dimensional Electrocatalysts Design for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Efficient electrocatalysts are crucial for hydrogen generation from electrolyzing water.Nevertheless,the conventional"trial and error"method for producing advanced electrocatalysts is not only cost-ineffective but also time-consuming and labor-intensive.Fortunately,the advancement of machine learning brings new opportunities for electrocatalysts discovery and design.By analyzing experimental and theoretical data,machine learning can effectively predict their hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)performance.This review summarizes recent developments in machine learning for low-dimensional electrocatalysts,including zero-dimension nanoparticles and nanoclusters,one-dimensional nanotubes and nanowires,two-dimensional nanosheets,as well as other electrocatalysts.In particular,the effects of descriptors and algorithms on screening low-dimensional electrocatalysts and investigating their HER performance are highlighted.Finally,the future directions and perspectives for machine learning in electrocatalysis are discussed,emphasizing the potential for machine learning to accelerate electrocatalyst discovery,optimize their performance,and provide new insights into electrocatalytic mechanisms.Overall,this work offers an in-depth understanding of the current state of machine learning in electrocatalysis and its potential for future research.

A review:Multi-hierarchy design strategy of electrocatalysts for energy molecule conversion

Under the new energy resource structure,electrocatalysts are key materials for the development of proton membrane fuel cells,electrolysis of aquatic hydrogen devices,and carbon dioxide reduction equipment,to address energy shortages and even environmental pollution issues.Although controlling the morphology or doping with heteroatoms for catalyst active centers have accelerated the reaction rate,it is difficult to solve the problems of multiple by-products,and poor stability of catalytic sites.From this,it will be seen that single regulation of metal active centers is difficult to comprehensively solve application problems.Orderly assembly and coordination of catalyst multi-hierarchy structures at the mesoscale above the nanometer level probably be more reasonable strategies,and numerous studies in thermal catalysis have supported this viewpoint.This article reviews the multi-hierarchy design of electrocatalyst active centers,high-energy supports,and peripheral structures in recent years,providing unconventional inspiration about electrocatalyst creation,which perhaps serves as a simple tutorial of electrocatalysis exploration for abecedarian.

Integrated electrocatalysts derived from metal organic frameworks for gas-involved reactions

Integrated electrocatalysts(IECs)containing well-defined functional materials directly grown on the current collector have sparked increasing interest in the fields of electrocatalysis owing to efficient activity,high stability and the fact that they are easily assembled into devices.Recently,metal organic frameworks(MOFs)provide a promising platform for constructing advanced IECs because of their properties of low cost,large surface area and efficient structural tunability.In this review,the design principles of state-of-the-art IECs based on MOFs are presented,including by hydrothermal/solvothermal,template-directed,electrospinning,electrodeposition and other methods.The high performance of MOF-derived IECs has also been demonstrated in electrocatalytic gasinvolved reactions.This is promising for green energy storage and conversion.The structure-activity relationship and performance improvement mechanism of IECs are uncovered by discussing some in situ technologies for IECs.Finally,we provide an outlook on the challenges and prospects in this booming field.

Progress on the mechanisms of Ru-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media

Water electrolysis using proton-exchange membranes is one of the most promising technologies for carbon-neutral and sustainable energy production.Generally,the overall efficiency of water splitting is limited by the oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Nevertheless,a trade-off between activity and stability exists for most electrocatalytic materials in strong acids and oxidizing media,and the development of efficient and stable catalytic materials has been an important focus of research.In this view,gaining in-depth insights into the OER system,particularly the interactions between reaction intermediates and active sites,is significantly important.To this end,this review introduces the fundamentals of the OER over Ru-based materials,including the conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism,lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism,and oxide path mechanism.Moreover,the up-to-date progress of representative modifications for improving OER performance is further discussed with reference to specific mechanisms,such as tuning of geometric,electronic structures,incorporation of proton acceptors,and optimization of metal-oxygen covalency.Finally,some valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for OER electrocatalysts are provided with the aim to promote the development of next-generation catalysts with high activity and excellent stability.

Recent advances in electrocatalysts for seawater splitting

Water splitting is an effective strategy to produce renewable and sustainable hydrogen energy.Especially,seawater splitting,avoiding use of the limited freshwater resource,is more intriguing.Nowadays,electrocatalysts explored for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)using natural seawater or saline electrolyte have been increasingly reported.To better understand the current status and challenges of the electrocatalysts for HER and OER from seawater,we comprehensively review the recent advances in electro-catalysts for seawater splitting.The fundamentals,challenges and possible strategies for seawater splitting are firstly presented.Then,the recently reported electrocatalysts that explored for HER and OER from seawater are summarized and discussed.Finally,the perspectives in the development of high-efficient electrocatalysts for seawater splitting are also proposed.

Disordered Rocksalts with Lattice Oxygen Activation as Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts

The lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism(LOM)provides an efficient pathway for accelerating the oxygen evolution reaction(OER)in certain electrocatalysts by activating and involving lattice oxygen in the catalytic OER process.We investigated the potential of disordered rocksalts as catalysts for accelerating the OER through the LOM process,leveraging their unique metastable Li-O-Li bond states.Theoretical calculations were employed to predict the catalytic pathways and activities of disordered rocksalts(DRX),such as Li_(1.2)Co_(0.4)Ti_(0.5)O_(2)(LCTO).The results revealed that benefiting from the unhybridized Li-O electronic orbitals and the resulting metastable states of Li-O-Li bonds in DRX,LCTO exhibited a typical LOM pathway,and the lattice oxygen was easily activated and participated in the OER.The experimental results showed that LCTO exhibited a remarkable pH-dependent OER activity through the LOM pathway,with an overpotential of 241 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm^(2),and excellent long-term stability.This work provides a novel chemical space for designing highly active and stable OER electrocatalysts by leveraging the LOM reaction pathway.

Direct atomic-level insight into oxygen reduction reaction on size-dependent Pt-based electrocatalysts from density functional theory calculations

Developing novel oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)catalysts with high activity is urgent for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.Herein,we investigated a group of size-dependent Pt-based catalysts as promising ORR catalysts by density functional theory calculations,ranging from single-atom,nanocluster to bulk Pt catalysts.The results showed that the ORR overpotential of these Pt-based catalysts increased when its size enlarged to the nanoparticle scale or reduced to the single-atom scale,and the Pt_(38)cluster had the lowest ORR overpotential(0.46 V)compared with that of Pt_(111)(0.57 V)and single atom Pt(0.7 V).Moreover,we established a volcano curve relationship between the ORR overpotential and binding energy of O*(ΔE_(O*),confirming the intermediate species anchored on Pt38cluster with suitable binding energy located at top of volcano curve.The interaction between intermediate species and Pt-based catalysts were also investigated by the charge distribution and projected density of state and which further confirmed the results of volcano curve.

Advances and challenges of methanol-tolerant oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts for the direct methanol fuel cell

Methanol cross-over effects from the anode to the cathode are important parameters for reducing catalytic performance in direct methanol fuel cells.A promising candidate catalyst for the cathode in direct methanol fuel cells must have excellent activity toward oxygen reduction reaction and resistance to methanol oxidation reaction.This review focuses on the methanol tolerant noble metal-based electrocatalysts,including platinum and palladium-based alloys,noble metal–carbon based composites,transition metal-based catalysts,carbon-based metal catalysts,and metal-free catalysts.The understanding of the correlation between the activity and the synthesis method,electrolyte environment and stability issues are highlighted.For the transition metal-based catalyst,their activity,stability and methanol tolerance in direct methanol fuel cells and comparisons with those of platinum are particularly discussed.Finally,strategies to enhance the methanol tolerance and hinder the generation of mixed potential in direct methanol fuel cells are also presented.This review provides a perspective for future developments for the scientist in selecting suitable methanol tolerate catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction and designing high-performance practical direct methanol fuel cells.

Copper-based bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO_(2) reduction:From mechanism understandings to product regulations

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR)is a promising method to solve current environment and energy issues.Copper-based catalysts have been widely studied for converting CO_(2) into value-added hy-drocarbon products.Cu monometallic catalyst has been proved to have some shortcomings,including relatively high energy barriers and diverse reaction pathways,leading to low reaction activities and poor product selec-tivity,respectively.Recently copper-based bimetallic tandem catalysts have attracted extensive attentions due to their special catalyst structure,which can be easily regulated to achieve high CO_(2) RR reactivity and product selectivity.With the development of quantum chemistry calculations and spectroscopic characterization methods,deep understandings of CO_(2) RR from the mechanism perspective provide a broad horizon for the design of effi-cient catalysts.This review offers a good summary of reaction mechanisms and product regulation strategies over copper-based bimetallic catalysts,along with a brief discussion on future directions towards their practical applications.