Electronic structure regulation on layered double hydroxides for oxygen evolution reaction

Oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) as core components of energy conversion and storage technology systems, such as water splitting and rechargeable metal–air batteries, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Transition metal compounds, particularly layered double hydroxides (LDHs), are considered as the most promising electrocatalysts owing to their unique two-dimensional layer structures and tunable components. However, heir poor intrinsic electrical conductivities and the limited number of active sites hinder their performances. The regulation of the electronic structure is an effective approach to improve the OER activity of LDHs, including cationic and anionic regulation, defect engineering, regulation of intercalated anions, and surface modifications. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the regulation of the electronic structures of LDHs used as electrocatalysts in OERs. In addition, we discuss the effects of each regulation type on OER activities. This review is expected to shed light on the development and design of effective OER electrocatalysts by summarizing various electronic structure regulation pathways and the effects on their catalytic performances.