Insights into interface engineering in steam reforming reactions for hydrogen production

Hydrogen demand is vigorously increasing due to its significant role in energy sources and chemical reactants. Catalytic steam reforming for hydrogen production is considered as one of the best methods to address this intensive requirement. In order to boost the steam reforming performance, interface engineering has been employed as a crucial strategy to stabilize active catalytic sites and enable their synergetic effects. Up to now, a variety of well-defined interfacial structures have been synthesized, displaying great potential for hydrogen production. Deep understanding of the influence of the interface on the catalytic activity is urgent. This review describes how the interface structure can be rationally designed and functionalized and how these atomic-level engineering approaches help to promote the efficiency of hydrogen production in steam reforming reactions of carbon-based chemicals. Furthermore, the major challenges, opportunities and future development directions of interfacial engineering in steam reforming are proposed.