Challenges and opportunities in 2D high‐entropy alloy electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion

Abstract

Two‐dimensional (2D) high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as promising electrocatalysts due to the benefits of polymetallic coordination and robust electrical conductivity. However, the multiple elements in 2D HEAs pose challenges in achieving a uniform composition and maintaining a 2D limit morphology, complicating their structural characterization. Furthermore, even minor adjustments to the composition can significantly alter the properties of 2D HEAs, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of their structure–property relationships to advance synthesis and application. Therefore, this review critically examines the intrinsic factors influencing synthesis methods and the practical applications of 2D HEAs in electrocatalysis for sustainable energy conversion. The urgency is emphasized for developing new synthesis techniques, enhancing advanced characterization methods, and gaining profound insights into the functional mechanisms of 2D HEAs.

Recent advances in nanoscale engineering of Pd-based electrocatalysts for selective CO2 electroreduction to formic acid/formate

“…Generally, the Pd-M alloy strategy not only reduces Pd content and the overall cost of electrocatalyst but also regulates the electronic structure of Pd based on the synthetic effect among the active components. Introducing a foreign metal into the host metal to form an alloy could trigger strong electron transfer, optimize electronic structures, and create more active sites, thus resulting in the altered adsorption energy for intermediates [94][95][96] . More importantly, in practical ECO 2 RR, the modified electronic structure of Pd helps to improve the reaction kinetics and alter the surface atom configurations, thereby optimizing the bonding strength for reaction intermediates.…”