Interface engineering of advanced electrocatalysts toward alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions

Abstract

Developing efficient, stable, and low-cost electrocatalysts toward alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in water electrolysis driven by renewable energy sources has always been discussed over the past decade. To reduce energy consumption and improve energy utilization efficiency, highly active electrocatalytic electrodes are essential for lowering the energy barrier of the HER. Catalysts featuring multiple interfaces have attracted significant research interest recently due to their enhanced physicochemical properties. Reasonable interface modulation can optimize intermediate active species’ adsorption energy, improve catalytic active sites’ selectivity, and enhance intrinsic catalytic activity. Here, we provided an overview of the latest advancement in interface engineering for efficient HER catalysts. We begin with a brief introduction to the fundamental concepts and mechanisms of alkaline HER. Then, we analyze and discuss current regulating principles in interface engineering for HER catalysts, focusing particularly on optimizing electron structures and modulating microenvironment reactions. Finally, the challenges and further prospects of interface catalysts for future applications are discussed.