Nanoarchitectonics for Transition‐Metal‐Sulfide‐Based Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting

Abstract

Heterogenous electrocatalysts based on transition metal sulfides (TMS) are being actively explored in renewable energy research because nanostructured forms support high intrinsic activities for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this review article, the authors describe how researchers are working to improve the This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. 2 performance of TMS-based materials by manipulating its internal and external nanoarchitectures. A general introduction to the water splitting reaction is initially provided to explain the most important parameters in accessing the catalytic performance of nanomaterials catalysts. Later, the general synthetic methods used to prepare TMS-based materials is explained in order to delve into the various strategies being used to achieve higher electrocatalytic performance in HER. Complementary strategies can be used to increase the OER performance of TMS, resulting in bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalysts for both HER and OER. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities of TMS materials in the context of water splitting are summarized. The authors aim to provide insights gathered in the process of studying TMS, and describe valuable guidelines for engineering other kinds of nanomaterial catalysts for energy conversion and storage technologies.

Emerging Dual‐Channel Transition‐Metal‐Oxide Quasiaerogels by Self‐Embedded Templating

“…[ 14 ] Second, the abundant interconnected pores in 3D structure provides highly efficient ion migration channels. [ 15–17 ] Third, 3D assembly of TMO nanoparticles significantly improves the structural integrity by releasing internal stress in all directions. [ 5,18 ] However, the preparation methods and the template selections hinder the well interconnected 3D network construction of TMO nanoparticles.…”

Spontaneous Synthesis of Silver‐Nanoparticle‐Decorated Transition‐Metal Hydroxides for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction

“…[2] Up to now, the generally recognized state-ofthe-art catalysts for OER are IrO 2 and RuO 2 , while relatively high cost and scarce shortage restrict the widespread application. [3] Therefore, it is meaningful and urgent for researchers to develop catalysts with low cost, superior performance, and strong practicability.Recently, the first-row transition-metal (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) based OER catalysts, including hydroxide, [4] oxides, [5] sulfides, [6] and nitrides, [7] have been widely investigated for their cost-effective features and easy regulation of electronic structure. [8] For example, the large interlayer spacing and nanosheet (NS) structure of Co(OH) 2 are conducive to facilitate ion transport and provide large active area, respectively, which is vital to accelerate the OER kinetics in alkaline electrolytes.…”

Hatted 1T/2H‐Phase MoS2 on Ni3S2 Nanorods for Efficient Overall Water Splitting in Alkaline Media

“…[19][20][21] Although water electrolysis has al ong history,c ontinuoust echnological improvement and materiali nnovation aimed at reducing costs remain huge challenges for industrial applications. [24,25] Recently,t ransition metal sulfides (TMS) such as MoS 2 , [26][27][28][29] Ni 3 S 2 , [30,31] NiS, [32] CoS, [33] Co 7 S 4 , [34] and so on, have been well investigated as satisfactory electrocatalysts. [24,25] Recently,t ransition metal sulfides (TMS) such as MoS 2 , [26][27][28][29] Ni 3 S 2 , [30,31] NiS, [32] CoS, [33] Co 7 S 4 , [34] and so on, have been well investigated as satisfactory electrocatalysts.…”

“…[22,23] The replacemento fP ta nd Pt-basedm aterials with nonpreciousmetal-based catalystsi sq uite appealing for achievingt he aim of low-cost water splitting. [24,25] Recently,t ransition metal sulfides (TMS) such as MoS 2 , [26][27][28][29] Ni 3 S 2 , [30,31] NiS, [32] CoS, [33] Co 7 S 4 , [34] and so on, have been well investigated as satisfactory electrocatalysts. Amongt hem, Ni 3 S 2 and MoS 2 have attracted extensive attention owing to their high catalytica ctivity, low cost, and environmental friendliness.…”