Recent Advancement in Quantum Dot Modified Layered Double Hydroxide towards Photocatalytic, Electrocatalytic, and Photoelectrochemical Applications

Abstract

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is a category of 2D materials that possess excellent physicochemical properties for enhancing photocatalytic (PC), electrocatalytic (EC), and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances. However, pristine LDH encounters challenges like sluggish charge‐carrier mobility, high rate of electron–hole recombination, low conductivity, and tendency to agglomerate, making them unsuitable for practical applications. Therefore, modifications such as composite preparations, co‐catalyst integration, semiconductor coupling, and ternary heterostructure engineering have been explored to disclose new possibilities for LDHs in PC, EC, and PEC applications. In the realm of semiconducting materials aimed at enhancing LDH productivity, quantum dots (QDs) i.e., 0D materials have proven to be effective due to their advantages, including abundant reserves, affordability, and environmental friendliness. This review explores the role of QDs as interlayer support, co‐catalyst, mediator, semiconductor, and sensitizer in QDs@LDH heterostructures to achieve superior photocatalytic activities. These QD‐infused heterostructures also deliver improved EC and PEC water‐splitting performance coupled with long‐term stabilities. Additionally, this review delves into characterization techniques, intrinsic structural features, and designing of the QD@LDH heterostructures. Future scopes and challenges in constructing and cutting‐edge theoretical anticipations of QD@LDH are also discussed. This review may be a guiding light to a sustainable approach to outperform QD‐modified LDH for versatile catalysts.