Layered double hydroxides based electrocatalysts for hydrogen production

Due to the deterioration of fossil fuel reserves and increasing environmental problems, the immediate requirement for renewable energy alternatives is clear. Hydrogen has become a promising substitute for an environmentally friendly energy carrier, Due of its high energy density and absence of green-house gas emissions when generated via water electrolysis. Still, efficiency of the process is limited due to the high overpotentials related to the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER). Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have become significant promise as electrocatalysts in water splitting due to presence of their increased surface area, scalable composition, and structural versatility. The detailed summary of the electrocatalytic activity of the LDHs-based materials is provided including electrochemical parameters which are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of HER and OER in this review. Bifunctional electrocatalysts revealing the understanding on scalable hydrogen production. For complete utilization of LDHs in green synthesis technology, the review provides the essentiality of ongoing material revolutions and structural enhancement. • LDHs act as promising alternative for hydrogen production because of their scalability, tunability and special structure. • Bifunctionality, doping and advanced strategies helps in improved efficiency and better production. • Clean fuel with zero greenhouse gas emission is achieved by using LDHs as electrocatalysts. • The rate of kinetics and overpotential of HER and OER are boosted by using LDHs. • Outstanding water splitting reactions are achieved.