Heterostructures based on transition metal chalcogenides and layered double hydroxides for enhanced water splitting

Abstract

Heterostructure engineering, as a strategy to overcome the limitation of single component activity, e.g., transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) or layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and improve the electrocatalytic performance of multi-electron charge transfer reactions is reviewed. The main mechanism of heterostructure engineering is briefly described, and selected examples are given to investigate the contribution of synergistic effects of such heterostructure to improve water splitting. Heterostructure engineering, based on transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs), is regarded as an efficient strategy to improve the overall kinetics of water splitting, i.e., OER and HER processes. The synergistic effect of the two components in a well-designed heterostructure, plays a key role in improving electrocatalysis with a decrease of the overpotential. • Correlation between structural-electronic properties and electrochemical performance of TMCs and LDHs hybrid is described. • This review illustrates the role of surface electronic configuration of TMCs and LDHs towards electrocatalysis kinetics. • The synergistic effect of heterostructure engineering favors for the water electrocatalysis.