Recent advances in transition metal nitrides for hydrogen electrocatalysis in alkaline media: From catalyst design to application

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) has been considered an ideal alternative energy source for solving energy supply security and greenhouse gas reduction. Although platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts have excellent performance in hydrogen electrocatalysis, their scarcity and high cost limit their industrial application. Therefore, it is necessary to develop low-cost and efficient non-PGM catalysts. Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have attracted much attention because of their excellent catalytic performance in hydrogen electrochemistry, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). In this paper, we review and discuss the mechanism of HER/HOR in alkaline media. We compare and evaluate electrocatalytic performance for the HER/HOR TMN catalysts recently reported. Finally, we propose the prospects and research trends in sustainable alkaline hydrogen electrocatalysis.

Recent progress in the synthesis of transition metal nitride catalysts and their applications in electrocatalysis

“…142 In addition, some design strategies can improve the catalytic activity and stability of TMNs, such as synergistic metal–support interactive TMNs catalysts, heterogeneous interface TMNs catalysts, etc . 14…”

“…In HER, TMNs often lead to a decrease in HER catalytic activity due to surface oxidation; especially in practical applications the environment is mostly harsh (compared with experimental conditions), and many measurements of TMN activity do not consider this. 14 In future research, it is necessary to pay attention to the activity measurement of catalysts at high current densities and in harsh environments.…”

Amorphous/crystalline heterophase electrocatalysts: synthesis, applications and perspectives

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Electrochemical energy conversion technology is environmentally friendly and economically attractive for the renewable energy harvesting and efficient energy utilization via utilizing green, cheap and renewable electricity. [8][9][10][11][12][13] To date, a wide range of electrochemistry technologies, such as water splitting, fuel cell, carbon dioxide conversion and nitrogen fixation, have drawn extensive attention in the production of cheap and clean fuels and basic chemicals. [14][15][16] To achieve efficient electrochemical conversion technologies, electrocatalysts as essential components play a critical role in devices, which can decrease the kinetic barrier at electrode/electrolyte interface and thus improve the conversion efficiency.…”

Interface Catalysts of Ni3Fe1 Layered Double Hydroxide and Titanium Carbide for High-Performance Water Oxidation in Alkaline and Natural Conditions

“…Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions (OER) have been considered core reactions in renewable energy conversion and storage devices, such as water electrolyzers and metal–air batteries. − However, the OER process suffers from sluggish kinetics due to the complex multielectron transfer during the electrochemical process (4OH – + 4e → 2H 2 O + O 2 ). , Improving the process requires development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts. These catalysts will significantly lower the activitaion energy required to break apart the OH bonds while forming new OO double bonds, critically important to accelerate the OER kinetics.…”