Carbon-based synergistic catalysis with transition metal dichalcogenides for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution/reduction

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are considered as two of the most critical processes in various renewable energy systems, including multi-electron transfer reactions. However, the kinetics of ORR/OER are usually sluggish, significantly impeding their related applications. This review article summarizes the research advancements in electrocatalytic ORR/OER achieved using traditional noble metals, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and carbon-based materials. Exploring diverse engineering strategies, such as defect engineering, strain engineering, and alloying, takes full advantage of the inherent energy band tunability of TMDCs and the advantages of carbon materials, including tunable specific surface area, high conductivity, and good stability. These strategies aim to regulate the intrinsic activity of materials and boost the apparent activity of the electrocatalytic ORR/OER. Finally, the challenges and prospects along this research line are proposed. •Oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) electrocatalyst is crucial for efficient conversion of renewable energy.•Doping and strain engineering can modulate the intrinsic and apparent activity of ORR/OER electrocatalysts.•Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are promising to be used as noble-metal-free electrocatalysts.•Carbon-based TMDCs can serve as efficient and stable synergistic catalysts for ORR/OER.