Mechanistic insight into hydrothermally prepared molybdenum-based electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Electrochemical water splitting is a technology that is gaining traction in the quest for zero-carbon energy and has the potential to produce enough hydrogen to meet the world's growing demand for sustainable and clean energy. It is still essential to develop inexpensive catalysts to replace noble metals like platinum or ruthenium in large-scale hydrogen production. Molybdenum (Mo)-based electrocatalysts have become extremely popular because of their high activity and wide pH range stability. The hydrothermal method is widely used among different synthetic methods due to its environmental friendliness. In this review, we briefly discuss the mech-anistic insight of hydrothermally prepared Mo-based electrocatalysts for overall water splitting application. First, we cover some essential concepts and important aspects of water splitting and then discuss the fundamental processes by which oxygen and hydrogen evolve. Finally, the mechanistic understanding of several Mo-based electrocatalysts (monometallic, bimetallic, trimetallic, etc.) for total water splitting has been summarized. Additionally, we highlight novel strategies and impending challenges in the design and synthesis of high-performance electrocatalysts.

Automated summary

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising technology for sustainable and clean energy production by producing hydrogen. Molybdenum-based electrocatalysts, prepared using the hydrothermal method, exhibit high activity and stability across a wide pH range. This review provides a mechanistic insight into the hydrothermally prepared Mo-based electrocatalysts for overall water splitting, covering the fundamental processes of oxygen and hydrogen evolution. The review also discusses different types of Mo-based electrocatalysts and highlights novel strategies and challenges in developing high-performance electrocatalysts.