Recent Advances and Prospectives in Tellurium-Based Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting

Considering the high costs and scarcity of precious metal catalysts (Pt, Ir, and Ru) commonly used in industry, tellurium-based catalysts have attracted significant attention. These catalysts offer lower costs, excellent catalytic activity, excellent electronic conductivity, and a tunable electronic structure. This review examines the current research status and advancements in tellurium-based catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen. Particular emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of tellurium catalysts in lowering the Gibbs free energy of key intermediates, such as *H in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and *OOH in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Furthermore, the catalytic properties of tellurium-based catalysts can be enhanced through atomic doping with elements, such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), forming compounds like Ni–Te. The formation of new bonds, such as Co–Te, also contributes to reducing the binding energy barrier of intermediates. Structural engineering of tellurium atoms to occupy vacant or alternative atomic positions increases the specific surface area of the catalyst and exposes more active sites.