Challenges and potential of layered double hydroxides as electrocatalytic materials for hydrogen production from water: A review of recent advances and applications

The integration of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) into hybrid catalysts markedly enhances the efficiency of overall water splitting, thereby advancing the potential for large-scale hydrogen production. This review elucidates the advantages of combining LDHs with various materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MXenes, and carbonaceous substrates, to augment electrical conductivity and catalytic activity, particularly in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Recent investigations have demonstrated the efficacy of LDH-based materials in catalyzing water-splitting reactions, underscoring their role in energy production. The unique properties of LDHs, characterized by a two-dimensional layered structure and exceptional physicochemical characteristics, render them suitable candidates for such applications. Moreover, this review discusses innovative design strategies for LDHs, encompassing nanostructuring, hybridization with conductive materials, partial cation substitution, interlayer anion exchange, and vacancy creation. Variations in metal composition within LDHs are also examined to elucidate their impact on OER and HER performances. Through a comprehensive analysis of the promising applications of LDHs as catalysts for hydrogen production, this article highlights significant advancements and delineates critical areas for future research, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse in the field of electrocatalysis.