Emerging Electrocatalytic Textile Electrodes for Highly Efficient Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Alkaline water electrolysis using non-noble electrocatalysts represents a sustainable method of hydrogen production, but optimizing/maximizing its performance still remains a challenge. While extensive research has focused mainly on the synthesis and design of electrocatalysts, less attention has been given to the structural and interfacial design of electrodes, which critically affects the water-splitting performance. Of particular importance is the interfacial controlled host electrode, which serves as a uniform electrocatalyst reservoir through interfacial interactions and a highly conductive current collector. Its porous structure, in addition to electrocatalyst size and host-electrocatalyst interface, significantly influences the total active surface area and operational stability. Here, we review recent advances in alkaline water electrolysis, highlighting the crucial role of interfacial interactions between host electrode and electrocatalysts, and among adjacent electrocatalysts, as well as the structural design of host electrode. Additionally, we explain how these interactions significantly contribute to operational stability. Commercialization challenges are also discussed.