Transition metal chalcogenides as emerging electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis

Urea electrolysis is an up-and-coming approach to realize sustainable energy-saving hydrogen fuel production and purification of urea-bearing wastes (e.g. urine, industrial wastewater). To attain a high urea electrolysis efficiency, high-performance electrocatalysts are highly required. Of late, transition metal (TM) chalcogenides-based materials are emerging as promising candidates for urea electrolysis. The catalytic performance of TM chalcogenides-based catalysts is optimized by tuning the internal/external characteristics, including nanostructure control, composition optimization, and heterostructuring. In this review, recent achievements in high-efficiency electrocatalysts based on TM chalcogenides for urea electrolysis are critically discussed. First, the electrochemistry of urea electrolysis is analyzed. Next, recent progress in TM chalcogenides-based electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis is detailed. The electrocatalyst design strategies are particularly elucidated, as well as the catalyst structure–performance correlation. Ultimately, perspectives on crucial scientific issues in this booming field are highlighted.