Self‐Supported Fe‐Based Nanostructured Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting and Selective Oxidation Reactions: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Electrochemical water splitting plays a vital role in facilitating the transition towards a sustainable energy future by enabling renewable hydrogen (H2) production, energy storage, and emission‐free transportation. Developing earth‐abundant electrocatalysts with outstanding overall water‐splitting performance, excellent catalytic activity, and robust long‐term stability is highly important in the practical application of water electrolysis. Self‐supported electrocatalysts have emerged as the most appealing candidate for practical H2 production due to their increased active site loading, rapid mass and charge transfer, and strong interaction with the underneath conducting support. Additionally, these electrocatalysts also provide enhanced reaction kinetics and stability. Here, a comprehensive review of recent progress in developing self‐supported Fe‐based electrocatalysts for water splitting and selective oxidation reactions is presented with examples of oxyhydroxides, layered double hydroxides, oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, nitrides, and other Fe‐containing electrocatalysts. A comprehensive historical development in the synthesis of self‐supported Fe‐based electrocatalysts is provided, with an emphasis on the various deposition methods and the choice of self‐supported conducting substrates considering large‐scale commercial applications. An overview of mechanistic understanding and approaches for enhanced H2 production are also presented. Finally, the challenges and opportunities associated with developing Fe‐based electrocatalysts for practical applications in water splitting and alternative oxidation reactions are discussed.

Construction of triple heterogeneous interfaces optimizing electronic structure with B-doped amorphous CoP deposited on crystalline Cu2S/Ni3S2 nanosheets to enhance water electrolysis

“…30 As dopants, metal elements such as Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, W, and Mo, and nonmetals S, O, P and B, have garnered the most interest due to their excellent catalytic activity, superior conductivity, abundance and low cost. 31–34 Additionally, metal elements can decrease the Gibbs free energy as can visually be seen from their volcano plot. 31 Moreover, B-doped amorphous materials improve the corrosion resistance of electrodes, resulting in high electrochemical stability.…”

“…31–34 Additionally, metal elements can decrease the Gibbs free energy as can visually be seen from their volcano plot. 31 Moreover, B-doped amorphous materials improve the corrosion resistance of electrodes, resulting in high electrochemical stability. 35…”

Cr-dopant induced crystal orientation and shape modulation in Ni2P nanocrystals for improving electrosynthesis of methanol to formate coupled with hydrogen production

“…4,5 An electrocatalytic system that combines the electrooxidation of small organic molecules into highly valuable products at an anode with H 2 production at a cathode holds great promise for reducing energy barriers and improving atom economy. 6–13 Methanol, a renewable energy source derived from biomass, organic waste, or CO 2 , has been recognized as an excellent energy carrier and the most commonly used commodity chemical. 14 The fact that methanol is a liquid at room temperature and pressure makes it easier to store, move, and distribute through existing infrastructure.…”