3d Block Transition Metal-Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Splitting

The world has to face a great challenge of energy of about 30 TW for its estimated nine billion people by 2050. The electrochemical water splitting (EWS); a sustainable resource of cycling energy through H₂O↔H₂ cycle; has recently become focal points of research in the energy sector especially where a continuous production and storage of energy are necessary, although EWS has been known since 1800. The present chapter describes the catalytic roles of 3d block transition metals, which are highly abundant in the Earth crust and hence low-cost, on EWS are extensively addressed. Recent research works on preparation, processing, modification, characterizations etc. of structured materials based on these metals, and their oxides, mixed oxides and complexes, and the applications are extensively reviewed and compared by highlighting relevant thermodynamics and kinetics involved in EWS.