Role of tungsten carbide (WC) and its hybrids in electrochemical water splitting application- A comprehensive review

Abstract

The depletion of conventional energy reserves, that is: fossil fuels, has sparked a lot of interest in hydrogen as a clean energy source. Hydrogen as a fuel possesses enormous energy density, carbon-free by-products, and storable nature. Water splitting is a carbon–neutral process for sustainable hydrogen production. However, the process needs high-performance, stable, and low-cost catalysts to be kinetically and economically competent. A wide variety of catalysts have been researched for the purpose of efficient generation of hydrogen using the process of water splitting. Tungsten carbide is a stable and electrochemically active material that exhibits low Tafel slopes and overpotentials comparable to benchmark catalyst Platinum at operationally relevant current densities. This review article aims to discuss the progress that has been made by Tungsten carbide and its hybrids for water-splitting. Starting with the synthesis strategies and their effects on the structure and properties, particular consideration has been devoted to prevalent approaches that can improve the catalytic properties of the hybrids for the overall process. An insight to the future consideration for catalytic enhancement that is noteworthy for researchers and industrialists alike is also discussed to sort out the best class of materials in accordance with hydrogen production techniques.