Chemical energy conversion strategies by photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are promising approaches to alleviating our energy shortages and environmental issues. Due to the 2D layer structure, adjustable composition, unique thermal decomposition and memory properties, abundant surface hydroxyl, and low cost, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted extensive attention in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis. This review summarizes the main structural characteristics of LDHs, including tunable composition, thermal decomposition and memory properties, delaminated layer, and surface hydroxyl. Next, the influences of the structural characteristics on the photo(electro)catalytic process are briefly introduced to understand the structure-performance correlations of LDHs materials. Recent progress and advances of LDHs in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis applications are summarized. Finally, the challenges and future development of LDHs are prospected from the aspect of structural design and exploring structure-activity relationships in the photo(electro)catalysis applications.
Keywords: LDHs; photochemistry; structure-performance correlations; two-dimensional layered materials.