Electrolytic water technology is promising for sustainable energy utilization, but the lack of efficient electrocatalysts retards its application. The intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts is determined by its electronic structure, while the apparent activity can be further optimized by reasonable design on micro/nano?structures of electrocatalysts. The core goal of electrocatalytic research is to reveal the relationship between the structure and performance of electrocatalysts, which is also the basis of reasonable design and construction of efficient electrocatalysts. Traditional synthetic method, namely bottom?up and top?down routes, usually induce the change of different structural parameters at the same time. Solid?state conversion strategy, which is converting solid precursors into target materials through chemical reactions, has been widely adopted to produce materials with precisely controllable structures. In this review, we focus on recent advances on solid?state conversion synthesis of water?splitting electrocatalysts. First, the basis of solid?state conversion chemistry was introduced. Then, the specific ways of precise control of electronic structure by solid?state conversion and the relationship between electronic structure and performance were summarized. Based on the understanding of the electronic structure?performance relationship, synergistic regulation of electronic structure and micro/nano?structures by solid?state conversion to achieve the co?promotion of intrinsic activity and apparent activity were described. Finally, the remaining challenges in this field were discussed, and future research directions were proposed as well.

» Author: Xiaomin Ma, Yanmei Shi, Kang Wang, Yifu Yu, Bin Zhang

» Reference: doi:10.1002/chem.201904021

» Publication Date: 08/11/2019

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