Constructing Built‐in‐Electric Field for Boosting Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Abstract

Electrocatalytic water splitting shows great potential for producing clean and green hydrogen, but it is hindered by slow reaction kinetics. Advanced electrocatalysts are needed to lower the energy barriers. The establishment of built‐in electric fields (BIEF) in heterointerfaces has been found to be beneficial for speeding up electron transfer, increasing electrical conductivity, adjusting the local reaction environment, and optimizing the chemisorption energy with intermediates. Engineering and modifying the BIEF in heterojunctions offer significant opportunities to enhance the electronic properties of catalysts, thus improving reaction kinetics. This comprehensive review focuses on the latest advances in BIEF engineering in heterojunction catalysts for efficient water electrolysis. It highlights the fundamentals, engineering, modification, characterization, and application of BIEF in electrocatalytic water splitting. The review also discusses the challenges and future prospects of BIEF engineering. Overall, this review provides a thorough examination of BIEF engineering for the next generation of water electrolysis devices.

Tuning Morphologies of Metal–Organic Framework-Derived Ni3P/Ni Carbon Nanocomposites for Water Oxidation

“…The advancement of clean and renewable energy stands as a pivotal measure in addressing global climate change, ensuring energy security, and promoting green and low-carbon transitions. − Within this framework, electrochemical hydroelectrolysis has emerged as a high-efficiency hydrogen production technique, characterized by green environmental practices, adaptable production, and high product purity. , At its anode, the typical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) comprises a complex four-electron transfer process. It involves the generation and consumption of various oxygen-containing intermediates, which severely limits the efficiency of hydroelectrolysis. − Given this scenario, noble metals such as Ir and Ru-based nanomaterials have traditionally been considered state-of-the-art OER electrocatalysts, but their high cost and limited availability restrict their practical applications. ,− Therefore, the quest for alternative non-precious metal-based OER electrocatalysts has emerged as a significant area of research focus. − …”