Alloy electrocatalysts

The development of clean sustainable energy conversion technologies to deal with energy shortage and environmental pollution has aroused a widespread concern. To improve the rate and selectivity of the pivotal chemical reactions involved in these technologies, high-performance electrocatalysts are crucial. Alloys have sparked research hotspot in electrocatalysis because of their higher catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity than their single-metal counterparts. In this review, the design strategies for alloy electrocatalysts are firstly introduced with a focus on how to achieve optimal performance by composition regulation, size optimization and morphology control. Subsequently, we offer a comprehensive overview of the electrocatalytic applications of binary, ternary, quaternary, and high-entropy alloys to different types of electrochemical energy conversion processes, including the hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, oxygen reduction, CO2 reduction, formic acid oxidation, methanol oxidation, and ethanol oxidation reactions. Finally, the challenges and future outlook are presented for the rational design of advanced alloy electrocatalysts.

Automated summary

The development of clean sustainable energy conversion technologies to address energy shortage and environmental pollution has gained widespread attention. High-performance electrocatalysts are essential for improving the rate and selectivity of key chemical reactions in these technologies. Alloys have become a research hotspot in electrocatalysis due to their higher catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity compared to single-metal catalysts. This review first introduces the design strategies for alloy electrocatalysts, focusing on achieving optimal performance through composition regulation, size optimization, and morphology control. Subsequently, a comprehensive overview of the electrocatalytic applications of binary, ternary, quaternary, and high-entropy alloys in different types of electrochemical energy conversion processes is provided. Finally, the challenges and future outlook for the rational design of advanced alloy electrocatalysts are presented.