Nanostructured Metal Borides for Energy‐Related Electrocatalysis: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives. Issue 10 (12th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pu, Zonghua; Liu, Tingting; Zhang, Gaixia; Liu, Xianhu; Gauthier, Marc. A.; Chen, Zhangxing; Sun, Shuhui
• Is Part Of: Small methods. Volume 5:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-12
• Subjects: CO 2 conversion/N 2 fixation -- electrocatalysis -- fuel cells -- transition metal borides -- water splitting; Nanotechnology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 620.5028
• DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100699
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2366-9608

Abstract

Abstract: The discovery of durable, active, and affordable electrocatalysts for energy‐related catalytic applications plays a crucial role in the advancement of energy conversion and storage technologies to achieve a sustainable energy future. Transition metal borides (TMBs), with variable compositions and structures, present a number of interesting features including coordinated electronic structures, high conductivity, abundant natural reserves, and configurable physicochemical properties. Therefore, TMBs provide a wide range of opportunities for the development of multifunctional catalysts with high performance and long durability. This review first summarizes the typical structural and electronic features of TMBs. Subsequently, the various synthetic methods used thus far to prepare nanostructured TMBs are listed. Furthermore, advances in emerging TMB‐catalyzed reactions (both theoretical and experimental) are highlighted, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, the oxygen evolution reaction, the oxygen reduction reaction, the carbon dioxide reduction reaction, the nitrogen reduction reaction, the methanol oxidation reaction, and the formic acid oxidation reaction. Finally, challenges facing the development of TMB electrocatalysts are discussed, with focus on synthesis and energy‐related catalytic applications, and some potential strategies/perspectives are suggested as well, which will profit the design of more efficient TMB materials for application in future energy conversion and storage devices. Abstract : This review summarizes the synthetic methods used to prepare transition metal borides and to analyze their energy‐relevant electrocatalysis applications, to provide insight into the rational design and construction of borides toward elevated energy‐relevant reactions.