Rational design of electrospun nanofiber-typed electrocatalysts for water splitting: A review

Due to the simple preparation, unique one-dimensional feature, easy-to-control composition, morphology and electronic structure, electrospun nanofibers have been established as one kind of the most promising catalysts for the application in electrocatalytic water splitting. This review starts from the fundamentals of electrospun nanofibers (including beaded, ribbon-like, porous, hollow, and adhesive fibers, etc.) and basic principles of hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and overall water splitting, and then comprehensively examines the latest progress in the area of electrocatalytic water splitting by exemplifying different electrospun nanofiber materials in detail. Next, we focus on the mechanism understanding, component control, structure design, and post-processing method. Finally, we also discussed the challenges and perspectives of electrospun nanofiber materials in the further development of water splitting electrocatalysts.