Heterostructure catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution in alkaline electrolytes

The kinetic process of single-phase metal catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution in alkaline conditions is generally slower than that in acidic conditions, and with problems such as corrosion. Recently, many heterostructure catalysts have demonstrated extraordinary electrocatalytic performance or long-term durability in alkaline conditions toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), particularly a number of precious-metal free heterostructures deliver comparable activity with precious-metal-based catalysts, providing new ideas for the design and exploration of HER catalysts under alkaline conditions. First, the advantages of heterostructure catalysts compared with single materials in hydrogen production catalysis are introduced, and the background of basic hydrogen production theory is added. Then, the research path of heterostructures in alkaline hydrogen production catalysts is traced, mainly introducing transition metal hydroxide-based, oxide-based and sulfide-based heterostructure catalysts. The preparation methods, characterization strategies and corresponding design ideas of heterostructure catalysts are demonstrated by examples. Finally, the difficulties of heterostructure catalysts in the comparison of intrinsic activity are analyzed and the future research of heterostructure catalyst mechanism is prospected. © 2020, Editorial Office of FINE CHEMICALS. All right reserved.