Rare Earth-Based Alloy Nanostructure for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Rare earth-based alloy nanostructures show great potential as materials in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and they have a relatively negative enthalpy of alloy formation compared to traditional transition metal alloys, which resist dissolution of alloys in the hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition, a liner relationship can be observed in d-band filling and electrochemical activity. Therefore, the rare earth-based alloy nanostructure contains the advantages of transmission metal catalysts and performs better in selectivity and stability. However, reduction potentials of the rare earth (RE) group are relevantly low, typically less than -1.9 V, and synthesis methods of the RE alloy nanostructure are very important. In this Perspective, we generalize the preparation method of rare earth-based alloy nanostructures and their applications related to the hydrogen evolution reaction. Through recent research on the rare earth alloy nanostructure in the hydrogen evolution reaction, the future development direction is pointed out.