Two-dimensional rhenium disulfide: Synthesis and application in electrocatalytic water splitting

Hydrogen is seen as an ideal alternative fuel to fossil fuels because it is green and sustainable. With the increasing energy crisis, developing efficient catalysts for hydrogen production to alleviate resource depletion is urgent. As a new member in the family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), 2D rhenium disulfide have attracted much attention based on their unique properties. In this paper, based on the unusual structural features and excellent properties of 2D rhenium disulfide, we cite their applications in the field of electrocatalytic water splitting and provide an in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism. Furthermore, we enumerate the various synthetic methods of 2D rhenium disulfide and summarize the different strategies and current research progress in modulating their catalytic performances. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by 2D rhenium disulfide in terms of synthetic methods and modulation strategies, and provide insights into their possible future development directions, hoping to provide valuable guidance for the design and preparation of high-performance rhenium-based electrocatalysts in the future.