Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Processes

The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a cornerstone of sustainable energy technologies, enabling the conversion of water into hydrogen gas via an applied electrical potential. Central to this process is the use of electrocatalysts—materials that lower the energy barrier for proton reduction and hydrogen desorption. Reaction kinetics typically proceed through a sequence of surface‐adsorption (Volmer), electrochemical desorption (Heyrovsky) and chemical recombination (Tafel) steps. Key metrics of performance include overpotential, which quantifies the extra voltage required beyond the thermodynamic potential; Tafel slope, reflecting kinetic parameters; and charge‐transfer resistance, indicating ease of electron flow. Advances in nanostructuring, heterostructure interfaces, alloy design and defect engineering have yielded catalysts that combine high activity, stability and low cost. Developments in both acidic and alkaline media are driving global efforts towards green hydrogen production for energy storage, transport, and industrial feedstocks.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have unveiled strategies to improve measurement reliability and catalyst efficiency. One investigation highlighted the unintended influence of common counter electrodes, such as platinum or gold, which can dissolve and redeposit on the working electrode, artificially lowering measured overpotentials. By introducing a low‐dissolution alternative counter electrode (titanium mesh), the work clarified true catalytic behaviour and enhanced reproducibility under acidic conditions. Complementary research demonstrated that core–shell Ru@Pt nanostructures, with ultralow platinum loadings, achieve exceptional hydrogen evolution and oxidation rates in acid electrolytes. Fine tuning of the atomic ratio and porous electrode architecture yielded charge‐transfer resistances approaching theoretical limits, illustrating pathways to reduce precious‐metal content while maintaining performance.

Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Processes publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution processes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Electrocatalyst: A material that facilitates an electrochemical reaction by reducing the activation energy required for electron transfer.

Overpotential: The additional voltage beyond the thermodynamic equilibrium potential needed to drive an electrochemical reaction at a given rate.

Tafel slope: A parameter derived from the Tafel equation that indicates the change in overpotential per decade change in current density, reflecting reaction kinetics.

Charge-transfer resistance: The resistance encountered by electrons crossing the electrode–electrolyte interface during an electrochemical reaction.

Volmer step: The initial electrochemical adsorption of a proton and an electron onto a catalyst surface, forming an adsorbed hydrogen intermediate.

d-band centre: A theoretical descriptor representing the average energy level of d-electrons in a metal, influencing adsorption strength of reaction intermediates.

References

1. Hydrogen production from water electrolysis: role of catalysts. Nano Convergence (2021).
2. Ultralow charge-transfer resistance with ultralow Pt loading for hydrogen evolution and oxidation using Ru@Pt core-shell nanocatalysts. Scientific Reports (2015).
3. An alternative, low-dissolution counter electrode to prevent deceptive enhancement of HER overpotential. Scientific Reports (2022).
4. Oxygen Defects Containing TiN Films for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: A Robust Thin-Film Electrocatalyst with Outstanding Performance. Nanomaterials (2024).
5. Efficient alkaline water electrolysis with an iron-incorporated yttrium oxide/yttrium phosphide nanorod catalyst on Ni foam: overpotential reduction and electrochemical insights. Materials Advances (2024).
6. A descriptor of IB alloy catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. SmartMat (2023).