Stainless steel-based nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production

The transition to a sustainable future depends on efficient and cost-effective electrochemical technologies. While noble metals are benchmark catalysts, their scarcity necessitates earth-abundant alternatives. Stainless steel (SS) has emerged as a versatile, low-cost, and robust platform for electrochemical hydrogen (H₂) production. This review discusses the development of SS-based nanomaterials for H₂ production through three major pathways: (i) conventional water electrolysis via the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER), (ii) microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), and (iii) the promising integration of biomass electro-oxidation at the anode. We detail surface engineering and material design strategies, including chemical, thermal, electrochemical, and structural modifications that transform SS from a passive substrate into a highly active, stable, and biocompatible electrode. Key challenges related to stability, selectivity, and scale-up in complex environments are also addressed. At the end, we outline future research directions to fully realize SS as a high-performance, multifunctional nanocatalyst platform capable of minimizing the use of precious metals for H₂ production.