Transition‐Metal Carbides as Hydrogen Evolution Reduction Electrocatalysts: Synthetic Methods and Optimization Strategies

Abstract

With the strengths of zero carbon emission and high gravimetric energy density, hydrogen energy is recognized as a primary choice for future energy supply. Electrochemical water splitting provides a promising strategy for effective and sustainable hydrogen production through renewable electricity, and one of the immediate challenges toward its large‐scale application is the availability of low‐cost and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Given the enormous efforts in the exploration of potential transition‐metal carbide (TMC) electrocatalysts, this review aims to summarize the recent advances in synthetic methods and optimization strategies of TMC electrocatalysts. Additionally, the perspectives for the development of novel efficient TMC‐based catalysts are also proposed.

Carbide coating on nickel to enhance the stability of supported metal nanoclusters

“…Moreover, metal carbides are worth investigating on their own merits, as they present excellent catalytic activity in various reactions, from ammonia synthesis to hydroprocessing. 20,21 In particular, they share with Co clusters an enhanced catalytic activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction, 22 thus making the investigation of Co deposited on Ni 2 C remarkably relevant.…”

Plant polyphenol-involved coordination assembly-derived Mo3Co3C/Mo2C/Co@NC with phase regulation and interface engineering for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysis

“…33 Unfortunately, despite great efforts, the performance and durability of high-temperature-prepared single-metal carbides are still inadequate and need further improvement. 34 Bimetallic carbides have been shown to hold great promise in further improving the activity due to the inherent metallic bonds between the different metal species with high electronic conductivity. Moreover, polymetallic coordination can have a synergistic effect, promoting HER activity by tuning the electronic structure or exposing more abundant active sites.…”

Superstructures of Organic–Polyoxometalate Co‐crystals as Precursors for Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts

“…For example, Mo carbides/nitrides prepared by reaction of Mo oxides with a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon/nitrogen‐containing gases (CH 4 , C 2 H 6 , CO, or NH 3 ) usually exhibit low surface areas and porosities, due to the inevitable particle coalescence/aggregation, which severely inhibits their catalytic performances. [7] Therefore, a controllable synthesis of micro‐ and nanostructured 4d ‐metal carbides/nitrides with high porosity and abundant active 4d ‐metal compounds is urgently needed to develop efficient HER catalysts.…”