Nickel Hydroxide‐Based Electrocatalysts for Promising Electrochemical Oxidation Reactions: Beyond Water Oxidation

Abstract

Transition metal hydroxides have attracted significant research interest for their energy storage and conversion technique applications. In particular, nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), with increasing significance, is extensively used in material science and engineering. The past decades have witnessed the flourishing of Ni(OH)2‐based materials as efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation, which is a critical catalytic reaction for sustainable technologies, such as water electrolysis, fuel cells, CO2 reduction, and metal–air batteries. Coupling the electrochemical oxidation of small molecules to replace water oxidation at the anode is confirmed as an effective and promising strategy for realizing the energy‐saving production. The physicochemical properties of Ni(OH)2 related to conventional water oxidation are first presented in this review. Then, recent progress based on Ni(OH)2 materials for these promising electrochemical reactions is symmetrically categorized and reviewed. Significant emphasis is placed on establishing the structure–activity relationship and disclosing the reaction mechanism. Emerging material design strategies for novel electrocatalysts are also highlighted. Finally, the existing challenges and future research directions are presented.

Crystal structure optimization of copper oxides for the benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction

“…4–6 Alternatively, replacing the OER with other anodic reactions with favorable oxidation thermodynamics has proven as a promising strategy for energy-saving hydrogen production. 7–10…”