Towards the application of 2D metal dichalcogenides as hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers

The electrolysis of water using renewable power inputs has tremendous potential for storing renewable energy in the form of hydrogen fuel. Proton exchange membrane electrolyzers are amongst the more promising classes of electrolyzer for renewables-driven hydrogen production, but these devices require expensive and scarce precious metal electrocatalysts (such as platinum) that add considerably to device costs and lifecycle carbon footprints. Replacing platinum in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers with cheaper and more abundant alternatives will thus make renewables-to-hydrogen devices more viable. Two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides have the required stability, electronic and catalytic properties to challenge platinum's position as the electrocatalyst of choice in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. In this minireview, we give an overview of recent progress in the development of two dimensional metal dichalcogenides as hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts, with a particular focus on studies from the last two years.