Design of conducting polymer/metal-based nanocomposites as electrocatalysts for electrochemical energy conversion

Conducting polymers (CPs) hold significant promise in the development of electrocatalysts due to their tailored conductivity and distinctive electronic properties. In recent years, there has been considerable attention towards metal nanoparticles/CPs nanocomposites as potential electrocatalysts. These composites have demonstrated the ability of CPs to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of metal nanoparticles by providing higher electrical conductivity, controlled structure, and increased surface area for the electrocatalysts. Moreover, CPs can exhibit active sites or modulate the activity of metal nanoparticles through interactions facilitated by their functional groups. This review offers a perspective on the potential use of well-designed CPs in creating high-performance electrocatalyst-based nanocomposites for applications in energy conversion. We specifically highlight previously reported CP-based electrocatalysts used in oxygen evolution (OER) and reduction (ORR), hydrogen evolution (HER), CO₂ electroreduction (CO₂RR), and alcohol oxidation (AOR) reactions. We underscore both the merits and challenges associated with this type of material.