Electrodeposition: Synthesis of advanced transition metal-based catalyst for hydrogen production via electrolysis of water

Developing lower-cost and higher-effective catalyst to support hydrogen (H2) production by electrochemical water-splitting has been recognized as a preferred strategy to drive the clean energy utilization. As a credible technology for the synthesis of functional materials, electrodeposition has attracted widespread attention, especially suitable for non-noble transition metal-based catalysts (TMCs). Recently, lots of researchers have been devoted to this hot research direction with plentiful achievements, however, a comprehensive review towards this area is still missing. Hence, we summarize the past research progress, presents the technical characteristics of electrodeposition from the viewpoint of fundamental theory and influence factors for the electrochemical deposition behavior, and introduce its application in various of TMCs with versatile nanostructures and compositions. Except a deeper and more comprehensive cognition of electrodeposition, we further discuss the catalyst's optimized hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance as well as overall water splitting that combined with the synthetic process. Finally, we conclude the technical advantages towards electrodeposition, propose challenge and future research directions in this promising field. This timely review aims to promote a deeper understanding of effective catalysts obtained via electrodeposition strategy, and provide new guidance for the design and synthesis of future catalysts for hydrogen production.