Recent advances in transition metal selenides-based electrocatalysts: Rational design and applications in water splitting

Transition metal selenides (TMSes) as a non-noble metal based-electrocatalyst have received extensive attentions in water splitting due to its controllable electrical structure and adjustable transition metal-Se coordination. However, poor conductivity and limited exposure to active sites will affect the electrocatalytic activity of TMSes. Recently, many TMSes-based electrocatalysts are designed and reported to optimize its electronic structure and active sites. Herein, in this review, we focus on recent progress in TMSes-based electrocatalysts for water splitting. After overviewing the basic fundamentals of water splitting, this review discusses the prepared methods, electronic structure and typical materials of TMSes-based electrocatalysts. Finally, this review discusses future perspectives for the advancement of TMSes-based electrocatalysts. In short, this review will provide some new insights for the reasonable construction of TMSes-based electrocatalysts from the aspects of design and application in water splitting. • Recent developments about TMSes-based electrocatalysts in water splitting are reviewed. • Preparation methods and electronic structure of typical TMSes-based electrocatalysts are summarized in detail. • Future opportunities and challenges of TMSes-based electrocatalysts are proposed.