2D Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets and Their Derivatives Toward Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are versatile materials with significant research interest.
• Transition-metal-bearing LDHs are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• Reducing LDH crystal thickness to the nanoscale is crucial for enhancing catalytic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the rational design of LDH nanosheets.
• To explore strategies for modulating the electrochemical activity of LDHs.
• To discuss future research directions in LDH-based electrocatalysis.

Main Methods:

• Direct synthesis methods including coprecipitation and homogeneous precipitation.
• Topochemical oxidation and chemical exfoliation for creating LDH nanosheets.
• Strategies for tuning composition, doping, and hybridization with conductive materials.

Main Results:

• Various synthesis methods enable the production of LDH nanosheets with controlled thickness.
• Tuning cation composition, anion intercalation, and incorporating dopants/single atoms enhance OER activity.
• Hybridization with conductive components or substrates further boosts catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• Rational design of LDH nanosheets is key to developing highly active OER electrocatalysts.
• Tailoring LDH properties through compositional and structural modifications offers significant potential.
• Further research into advanced architectures and hybridization strategies is warranted for future applications.