Layered Double Hydroxide-Derived Nanomaterials for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Splitting: Recent Progress and Future Perspective

Abstract

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted intense interest in recent research and hold promise in a vast range of applications. Because of the layered structure and diverse compositions, transition-metal-based LDHs are projected to function as active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Delamination of LDH hexagonal platelet crystals to the nanometer level leads to enhanced activity. However, several limitations, including structure collapse and the poor conductivity of LDHs, impede their application in electrochemical catalysis. Consequently, LDH-derived nanomaterials are being employed as high-performance electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. In this Review, we highlight the recent progress in the development of LDH-derived materials, including bimetal oxides and hydroxides, bimetallic nitrides/phosphides, bimetallic sulfides/selenides, and bimetallic MOFs, as remarkable electrocatalysts for water splitting. Focus is placed on the methodologies employed for LDH-derived nanomaterials and their catalytic efficiency in water splitting, key problems, and future perspectives.