Electronic Structure Engineering of Transition-Metal-based Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting

Electrochemical water splitting is regarded as the most promising technology for producing hydrogen energy. In the quest for efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts, electronic structural engineering in transition metals has gained increasing attention. This review provides an overview of the advancement of electronic structural engineering in transition-metal electrocatalytic materials for water splitting. It begins by introducing the features of different electronic structures and their effects on the water splitting reactions. Subsequently, the recent research progress in oxygen evolution reactions and hydrogen evolution reactions through electronic structural modulation engineering is analyzed. The electronic tuned structure influences the adsorption energy between reactive intermediates and catalyst substrates in the electrocatalytic water splitting process. Finally, the review briefly describes the transition-metal-based electrocatalysts in industrial applied proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. This review will provide deep insight for designing highly efficient electrocatalytic materials for water splitting reactions.