Heterostructured Catalytic Materials as Advanced Electrocatalysts: Classification, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application

Abstract

The proactive exploration of electrocatalytic conversion for renewable energy valorization is of tremendous significance in addressing the issues of fossil energy exhaustion, among which the critical challenge of electrocatalysis lies in the rational design of efficient electrocatalysts that are rich in the earth. Among electrocatalysts, the design of heterostructured materials exhibits immense potential for the optimization of noble metals and elaboration of non‐precious metal electrocatalysts with durability. In this review, a systematic overview of modern advances in heterostructured electrocatalysts for a range of energy conversion reactions is described, and special interfacial design brings additional functional effects. Subsequently, various synthesis methods and characterization techniques for heterostructured electrocatalysts are also summarized. The innovative classification of heterostructures in methods of interfacial junction, crystal structure, structural morphology, and properties of the components is presented in this review. Finally, the possible challenges and outlooks of heterostructured electrocatalysts in the future are further discussed, including how to develop more sophisticated synthesis, characterization, and theoretical calculation methods, which will serve as the guiding direction for a more rational interface design. This review aims to set the trajectory for providing meaningful inspiration and references in energy conversion by heterostructured electrocatalysts, advancing the process of carbon neutrality.

Switchable selectivity to electrocatalytic reduction of furfural over Cu2O-derived nanowire arrays

“…Electrocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules is emerging as an attractive route to produce value-added fuels and chemicals due to the advantages in terms of renewable resources, sustainable energy-input and friendly environmental impact. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Biomass (i.e. feedstocks) is regarded as the sole renewable carbon source and its utilization benefits the establishment of a carbon balance.…”

Tailoring Morphology and Fluorescence Properties of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks via Carbon Dots

“…21−23 This strategy can be realized through interface design and other means to improve the properties of composites and generate new properties. 24 Besides, it solves the general problem of aggregation-induced quenching (ACQ) of CD solutions with high concentration and CD solids, which severely limits practical optical applications of CDs. 25,26 Among the above-mentioned materials, MOFs with high porosity and tunability are considered promising candidates for constructing hybrids with CDs.…”

“…These characteristics endow them with extensive application potentials in the fields of optoelectronic devices, , energy storage, sensing, ,, and drug delivery. , Despite that impressive research, CDs are also widely utilized in the synthesis of composites. One of the successful examples is the encapsulation of CDs in porous materials, for example, meso-silica, , metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), , and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). − This strategy can be realized through interface design and other means to improve the properties of composites and generate new properties . Besides, it solves the general problem of aggregation-induced quenching (ACQ) of CD solutions with high concentration and CD solids, which severely limits practical optical applications of CDs. , …”