Ternary metal sulfides for electrocatalytic energy conversion

Electrocatalytic energy conversion is known as a promising pathway for realizing efficient energy storage and utilization, in which low-cost and high-performance electrocatalysts are indispensable. Recent advances have demonstrated that ternary metal sulfides (TMSs) are very promising alternatives to noble-metals for various electrocatalytic reactions, because of excellent redox reversibility and high electronic conductivity. In this review, the latest developments in various types of TMSs for hydrogen/oxygen-related electrocatalysis are summarized. The corresponding synthesis strategies, electrocatalytic mechanisms and critical issues towards the performance improvement are briefly discussed. Moreover, the potential practical applications of TMS materials are highlighted in prominent energy-related devices (i.e., overall water splitting and rechargeable Zn-air batteries). Some critical challenges and prospects for the future development of TMS electrocatalysts are proposed at the end. It is believed that in-depth understanding of TMS development would be significantly important for designing TMSs with the desired electrocatalytic performance in the future.