The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has attracted considerable attention lately because of the high energy density and environmental friendliness of hydrogen energy. However, lack of efficient electrocatalysts and high price hinder its wide application. Compared to a single-phase metal oxide catalyst, mixed metal oxide (MMO) electrocatalysts emerge as a potential HER catalyst, especially providing heterostructured interfaces that can efficiently overcome the activation barrier for the hydrogen evolution reaction. In this mini-review, several design strategies for the synergistic effect of the MMO catalyst on the HER are summarized. In particular, metal oxide/metal oxide and metal/metal oxide interfaces are explained with fundamental mechanistic insights. Finally, existing challenges and future perspectives for the HER are discussed.
Electrochemical conversion of abundant resources, such as carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, and nitrate, is a remarkable strategy for replacing fossil fuel-based processes and achieving a sustainable energy future. Designing an efficient and selective electrocatalysis system for electrochemical conversion reactions remains a challenge due to a lack of understanding of the reaction mechanism. Shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) is a promising strategy for experimentally unraveling a reaction pathway and rate-limiting step by detecting intermediate species and catalytically active sites that occur during the reaction regardless of substrate. In this review, we introduce the SHINERS principle and its historical developments. Furthermore, we discuss recent SHINERS applications and developments for investigating intermediate species involved in a variety of electrocatalytic reactions.
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