Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production Trilogy

Abstract

H2 production via water electrolysis is of great significance in clean energy production, which, however, suffers from the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Moreover, the anode product, O2, which is of rather low value, may lead to dangerous explosions and the generation of membrane‐degrading reactive oxygen species. Herein, to address these issues of electrocatalytic H2 production, we summarize the most recent advances in three stages based on the benefit increments and various electron donation routes, which are: 1) electron donation by traditional OER: developing efficient catalysts for water oxidation to promote H2 production; 2) electron donation by the oxidation of sacrificial agents: using sacrificial agents to assist H2 production; 3) electron donation by electrosynthesis reaction: achieving electrosynthesis in parallel with cathodic H2 production. Present challenges and related prospects will also be discussed, hopefully to benefit the further progress of electrocatalytic H2 generation.

Two‐Dimensional Porous Molybdenum Phosphide/Nitride Heterojunction Nanosheets for pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) provides an attractive way for efficient H 2 production by storing the electricity generated from the renewable energy sources (such as solar energy) into chemical energy [3–5] . To overcome kinetics barriers, it is necessary to develop high efficient electrocatalysts to decrease energy consumption [6, 7] . The Pt‐based materials are state‐of‐the‐art catalysts for HER, but suffering from the high cost and scarcity [8, 9] .…”

Hollow NiSe Nanocrystals Heterogenized with Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Electrocatalytic Methanol Upgrading to Boost Hydrogen Co‐Production

“…As a clean and environment‐friendly energy source, hydrogen (H 2 ) from water electrolysis is considered as an ideal countermeasure against the impending energy crisis. [ 1–3 ] Unfortunately, the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is still hampered by the kinetically sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), consuming considerably high energy to increase the production cost of hydrogen. [ 3–5 ] A favorable energy strategy should not only produce clean H 2 fuels but also gain value‐added chemicals by taking advantage of the versatile anodic reactions to replace the sluggish OER.…”

Phosphorized CoNi2S4 Yolk‐Shell Spheres for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Production via Water and Urea Electrolysis

“…Renewable energy‐driven electrolytic hydrogen generation has been recognized as an eco‐friendly manner to alleviate the energy crisis and environmental issues faced by the international community [1–3] . However, the unfavorable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics of both cathodic reduction and anodic oxidation reactions severely restrict the hydrogen production rate and energy efficiency [3–7] .…”

“…Renewable energy‐driven electrolytic hydrogen generation has been recognized as an eco‐friendly manner to alleviate the energy crisis and environmental issues faced by the international community [1–3] . However, the unfavorable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics of both cathodic reduction and anodic oxidation reactions severely restrict the hydrogen production rate and energy efficiency [3–7] . Noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts are known as the most active catalysts for electrolytic hydrogen production, but their large‐scale application is largely hindered by the prohibitive costs, low reserves, and unsatisfactory stability [8–10] .…”