Coordination‐Based Regulation of Integrated Photoanodes for Boosted Water Oxidation

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen evolution has been deemed a promising approach for solving the world's sustainable energy‐related and environmental challenges. However, poor charge separation in semiconductor photoelectrodes is the major challenge to overall solar energy conversion efficiencies. Moreover, n‐type semiconductors as photoanodes exhibit sluggish water oxidation kinetics. Coordination‐based regulation between semiconductors and cocatalysts as a form of interface optimization in integrated photoanodes has been proved an effective strategy to optimize charge transfer and water oxidation processes. Herein, recent critical headway on improving the efficiency of semiconductor‐based photoanodes for water oxidation via coordination‐based regulation is reviewed. In particular, this review aims to clarify how coordination‐based regulation achieves performance enhancement through the joint modulation of surface states and spin‐electronic states. The mechanism of coordination‐based regulation in integrated photoanodes on charge transfer and water oxidation kinetics prioritization scheme is demonstrated in detail. These benefits of coordination‐based regulation for efficient and stable water splitting devices will show huge advantages in the future.