Recent Advances in Electronic Structure Modifications of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) for the Water Splitting Application

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a feasible method for large‐scale hydrogen production. Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDH) have been identified as a possible candidate for accelerating the water splitting process. Nevertheless, certain structural alterations are necessary for immaculate LDH because of their weak electrocatalytic activity. These structural changes alter the local reaction environment by modulating the electronic structure of the metal centre present in the LDH. This electronic structure tailoring is accomplished by a variety of processes, including heteroatom doping, single atom inclusion, cationic defect, oxygen vacancy creation, and heterostructure formation. Recently, there has been an uptick of advancement in this field, and it is necessary to summarize these developments. This review provides a concise summary of the current reports on the electronic structure manipulation of layered double hydroxide. The review begins by examining the local environmental changes of LDH resulting from the insertion of single atoms. Subsequently, we explore the charge transfer that occurs at the interface between LDH and other transition metal heterostructures. In addition, we explored the impact on the metal centre near the vacancies on the basal plane of LHD. Finally, we presented a future perspective and guidance for advancing this field in electrocatalysis.