Hydrogen evolution electrodes: Materials and mechanisms in alkaline electrolysis

Global greenhouse gas emissions are a major driver of climate change, largely due to a dependence on fossil fuels that is unsustainable. Green hydrogen is a viable solution as a potential alternative that can be produced by electrolyzing water using renewable energy sources. However, the complexity inherent in the development of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts, currently under investigation, it makes the synthesis, fabrication methods and characterization techniques of catalytic theory more complex. The aim of this review is to elucidate the thermodynamics, structural characteristics and kinetics of electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, followed by an exploration of design strategies for these electrocatalysts. It further delves into a comprehensive analysis of the sensible design, synthesis, mechanism and performance enhancement of electrocatalysts, focusing on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Subsequently, it presents the latest advancements in electrocatalytic water-splitting methodologies. The review concludes by examining the challenges and prospects in the creation of highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysts for water-splitting applications.