Metal Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production in Water Splitting

The rising demand for fossil fuels and the resulting pollution have raised environmental concerns about energy production. Undoubtedly, hydrogen is the best candidate for producing clean and sustainable energy now and in the future. Water splitting is a promising and efficient process for hydrogen production, where catalysts play a key role in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). HER electrocatalysis can be well performed by Pt with a low overpotential close to zero and a Tafel slope of about 30 mV dec(-1). However, the main challenge in expanding the hydrogen production process is using efficient and inexpensive catalysts. Due to electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability, transition metal compounds are the best options for HER electrocatalysts. This study will focus on analyzing the current situation and recent advances in the design and development of nanostructured electrocatalysts for noble and non-noble metals in HER electrocatalysis. In general, strategies including doping, crystallization control, structural engineering, carbon nanomaterials, and increasing active sites by changing morphology are helpful to improve HER performance. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in designing functional and stable electrocatalysts for HER in efficient hydrogen production from water-splitting electrolysis will be described.