High-entropy layered double hydroxide with advanced structural regulation for electrochemical water splitting

Electrochemical water splitting (EWS) serves as a pivotal technology for green hydrogen production. However, its practical application is limited by the high cost and scarcity of noble metal-based catalysts. High-entropy layered double hydroxides (HE-LDHs) have emerged as a novel class of high-entropy materials attracting significant attention for their exceptional electrocatalytic performance. Compared with traditional bimetallic layered double hydroxides, HE-LDHs possess unique configurational entropy and "four core effects" (high-entropy effect, delayed diffusion effect, lattice distortion effect, and cocktail effect). In this review, we firstly introduced the concept of HE-LDHs and summarized their different synthesis methods such as the hydrothermal method, co-precipitation method, electrodeposition method and template etching method. Then, we presented advanced regulation strategies of HE-LDHs, including geometric structure design, single-atom doping, inert component doping and vacancy creation. Finally, we further explored the current important challenges and corresponding solutions to promote the practical development of HE-LDH catalysts.