Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production Trilogy

H-2 production via water electrolysis is of great significance in clean energy production, which, however, suffers from the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Moreover, the anode product, O-2, which is of rather low value, may lead to dangerous explosions and the generation of membrane-degrading reactive oxygen species. Herein, to address these issues of electrocatalytic H-2 production, we summarize the most recent advances in three stages based on the benefit increments and various electron donation routes, which are: 1) electron donation by traditional OER: developing efficient catalysts for water oxidation to promote H-2 production; 2) electron donation by the oxidation of sacrificial agents: using sacrificial agents to assist H-2 production; 3) electron donation by electrosynthesis reaction: achieving electrosynthesis in parallel with cathodic H-2 production. Present challenges and related prospects will also be discussed, hopefully to benefit the further progress of electrocatalytic H-2 generation.

Automated summary

The article summarizes recent advances in electrocatalytic hydrogen production, including traditional OER electron donation, sacrificial agent oxidation electron donation, and electrosynthesis reaction electron donation in three stages, and discusses related challenges and prospects.