Yolk@Shell Nanostructures for Water Splitting: Current Development and Future Prospects

With the escalating demand for clean and sustainable energy sources, hydrogen emerges as a paramount contender, necessitating efficient and innovative production methods of water splitting. This review ventures into the burgeoning field of yolk@shell nanostructures and their pivotal role in advancing water splitting technologies. The synthesis, unique properties, and multifaceted applications of yolk@shell nanostructures across electrocatalytic (EC), photocatalytic (PC), and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water splitting processes are evaluated. We start with a brief introduction to various synthetic strategies, including template-assisted formation, the Kirkendall effect, galvanic replacement, and Ostwald ripening, each contributing to the tailored construction of yolk@shell nanostructures with enhanced catalytic efficiencies. Highlights are put on the significant advancements in utilizing these nanostructures to optimize EC activities, PC hydrogen production rates, and PEC water splitting efficiency. Furthermore, we address the challenges of integrating hydrogen generation with valuable compound production, near-infrared photoactivity, and seawater splitting, underscoring the necessity for innovation and the potential for yolk@shell nanostructures in diversifying energy conversion systems. Through a comprehensive analysis, this review not only showcases the current developments but also outlines prospects, emphasizing the critical importance of yolk@shell nanostructures in the sustainable energy landscape.