Optimizing Nickel-Based Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution: Electronic and Geometric Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrochemical water splitting is key for green hydrogen production.
• Developing efficient, low-cost electrocatalysts is crucial.
• Nickel-based materials offer a viable alternative to noble metals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in nickel-based electrocatalysts for water splitting.
• To propose strategies for optimizing catalyst performance based on reaction mechanisms.
• To identify challenges and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on nickel-based electrocatalysts.
• Analysis of electronic and geometric structure modulation strategies.
• Evaluation of morphology engineering, alloying, doping, phase, and heterostructure approaches.

Main Results:

• Nickel-based catalysts demonstrate tunable electronic and geometric structures for improved HER, OER, and OWS.
• Strategies like alloying, doping, and heterostructure construction enhance intermediate adsorption/desorption and kinetics.
• Significant progress has been made, but industrial-scale current densities and stability are yet to be achieved.

Conclusions:

• Nickel-based electrocatalysts hold great potential for scalable green hydrogen production.
• Further research should focus on multiscale design and high-current-density testing.
• Bridging the gap between lab research and industrial application is essential.