Amorphous nanomaterials in electrocatalytic water splitting

Electrochemical water splitting, as a promising method for hydrogen production, has attracted significant attention. However, the lack of an electrocatalyst with a small energy loss and fast reaction kinetics has hindered the development of this technology. Amorphous nanomaterials with short-range order and long-range disorder features have recently shown superior activity compared to their crystalline counterparts in water electrolysis. The enhanced activity arising from their intrinsic disordered structure results in more active sites and a higher intrinsic activity of such sites. In this regard, this review is aimed at summarizing the progress in amorphous electrocatalysts for water splitting. First, the synthesis strategies for amorphous electrocatalysts are discussed. Characterization tools for amorphous nanomaterials are then summarized. Moreover, the origin of the enhanced activity and stability of amorphous nanomaterials is analyzed. Finally, the current challenges and promising opportunities in this research area are discussed. This review aims to provide a guide for designing and developing amorphous nanomaterials with a fascinating electrocatalytic water splitting performance. (C) 2021, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the recent progress in amorphous electrocatalysts for water splitting, including synthesis strategies, characterization tools, the origin of enhanced activity and stability, as well as current challenges and opportunities in this research area.