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Self-supported electrocatalyst engineering for industrial alkaline water splitting based on first-row transition
Zhiwen Xie1, Ruchun Li2, Dingsheng Yuan1
1College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China. tydsh@jnu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 9, 2026
Summary
First-row transition metals offer sustainable alternatives for alkaline water electrolysis. Self-supported catalysts enhance efficiency and stability for industrial hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- First-row transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) are cost-effective alternatives to noble metals for alkaline water electrolysis.
- Self-supported catalysts improve mass transfer, stability, and gas release in electrolysis systems.
- Developing these catalysts is crucial for the industrial application of alkaline water electrolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in self-supported catalysts based on first-row transition metals for alkaline water electrolysis.
- To highlight rational design principles for industrial applications.
- To provide perspectives on future catalyst development for green hydrogen production.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on self-supported catalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
- Discussion of substrate selection and preparation methods for catalyst construction.
- Summary of optimization strategies including heterostructure construction, defect engineering, heteroatom doping, and amorphization control.
Main Results:
- Self-supported catalysts based on first-row transition metals show promise for high-performance alkaline water electrolysis.
- Various strategies like heterostructure construction and defect engineering enhance catalytic activity and stability.
- Optimized catalysts facilitate high current densities, crucial for industrial applications.
Conclusions:
- Self-supported catalysts are key to advancing industrial alkaline water electrolysis.
- Rational design principles are essential for developing robust and efficient electrocatalysts.
- Further research into these catalysts will promote large-scale green hydrogen production.
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