Recent Advances in Ni-Based Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Electrochemical water splitting driven by the electricity generated from renewable energy is an ideal sustainable approach for hydrogen production, where an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst is indispensable. Ni-based electrocatalysts are widely investigated for HER in different electrolytes due to their advantages of high Earth abundance, remarkable corrosion resistance, efficient electrocatalytic performance, and high electrical conductivity. Although several Ni-based electrocatalysts exhibit catalytic HER performance comparable to that of state-of-the-art Pt catalysts, it is still lack of practical applications possibly due to the duration limitation. In order to promote the next-step intensive studies and applications, it is important to systematically summarize the progress of Ni-based electrocatalysts for HER. Accordingly, this review article focuses on the recent advances in Ni-based electrocatalysts toward HER, which includes the mechanism of the electrocatalytic HER in different electrolytes and progresses in the Ni-based electrocatalysts toward HER. The preparation approaches, electrocatalytic activities, and overall performance comparison of the Ni-based electrocatalysts are systemically summarized based on Ni-based compounds, that is, phosphides, chalcogenides, nitrides, carbides, borides, alloys, and (hydro)oxides. The improvement modulation strategies including morphological/phase control, heterostructures/heterointerfaces, defect engineering, composite engineering, and heteroatom doping are thoroughly discussed. Finally, corresponding challenges and perspectives are proposed.