Affiliation:
1. College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China
2. College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies & Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Novel Nano Optoelectronic Information Materials and Devices, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Abstract
Hydrogen is now recognized as the primary alternative to fossil fuels due to its renewable, safe, high-energy density and environmentally friendly properties. Efficient hydrogen production through water splitting has laid the foundation for sustainable energy technologies. However, when hydrogen production is scaled up to industrial levels, operating at high current densities introduces unique challenges. It is necessary to design advanced electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) under high current densities. This review will briefly introduce the challenges posed by high current densities on electrocatalysts, including catalytic activity, mass diffusion, and catalyst stability. In an attempt to address these issues, various electrocatalyst design strategies are summarized in detail. In the end, our insights into future challenges for efficient large-scale industrial hydrogen production from water splitting are presented. This review is expected to guide the rational design of efficient high-current density water electrolysis electrocatalysts and promote the research progress of sustainable energy.
Funder
Natural Science Foundation of China
Youth Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province
Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province
Science Foundation of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications