Design of nanostructured 2D (photo-)electrocatalysts for biomass valorization coupled with H2 production

Abstract

Electrocatalytic water splitting driven by renewable energy is a promising strategy for sustainable hydrogen production. However, the slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics severely limit the rate of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the overall energy conversion efficiency of the water electrolyzer. To overcome this challenge, hybrid water electrolysis systems have been developed which replace the sluggish OER with thermodynamically and kinetically favorable biomass (photo-)electro-oxidation. In addition, these systems allow for the simultaneous production of value-added chemical products. This review highlights the design strategies involving the host structure remodeling and structure assembly design of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-based (photo-)electrocatalysts, as well as their wide application in hybrid water electrolysis. Moreover, the current challenges and emerging strategies for the development of advanced (photo-)electrocatalysts and industrial-scale systems are emphasized.