Self-supporting transition metal chalcogenides on metal substrates for catalytic water splitting

The review summarizes the typical synthetic strategies, morphologies, catalytic performances, mechanisms, application conditions and scope of various metallic matrices, such as Au, Mo, Ni, and Ti, for supporting TMCs catalysts. The development directions and outlook of self-supporting TMCs@Metal electrodes for large-scale preparation and catalytic water splitting in industrial applications are discussed in detail. [Display omitted] •The self-supporting catalytic electrodes for water splitting are studied.•The electrodes classified according to different substrates are summarized.•The loaded TMC materials and preparation strategies are discussed in detail.•The prospects of TMCs@Metal electrodes for industrial applications are suggested. Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) are the fascinating replacement of noble catalysts in catalytic water splitting due to their unique physical and chemical properties and low cost. However, their industrial application is substantially restricted by their poor conductivity. Decorating TMCs on metal substrates to fabricate self-supporting electrodes could be an efficient strategy for solving this problem. In this review, typical synthetic strategies for self-supporting TMCs on metal substrates are introduced in detail, while all types of metallic matrices, such as Au, Mo, Ni, Ti, Cu, etc., for supporting TMC catalysts are comprehensively summarized. By comparing the matrix types, types of loaded TMC materials, preparation strategies, application conditions, and scope, we attempt to establish rules of various metals as substrates, which may provide suggestions for material design. Finally, we briefly discuss the development directions of self-supporting TMCs@Metal electrodes for large-scale preparation and catalytic water splitting in industrial applications.