Progress in Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis and Its Electrocatalysts

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-396X.2022.06.003

Abstract

Abstract:

As the society and economy move forward, energy and environmental problems have attracted extensive attention. Hydrogen energy is considered the ideal clean energy in the 21st century due to its high energy density, pollution?free attribute, abundant reserves, and wide application. As a clean production technology, hydrogen production by water electrolysis has developed vigorously under the goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. The key challenge lies in the development of high?performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to reduce the overpotential of water splitting. This paper reviewed the current mainstream hydrogen production technologies by water electrolysis in detail and analyzed the characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of each technology. Moreover,it summarized the research progress of HER catalysts and predicted the development directions of the hydrogen production technology by water electrolysis and its electrocatalysts.

Key words: Hydrogen energy, Water electrolysis technology, Hydrogen evolution reaction, Electrocatalyst, Transition metal catalyst

摘要：

随着社会经济的发展，能源和环境问题日益受到人们的广泛关注。氢能因其能量密度高、绿色无污染、储量丰富、应用广泛等优点，被认为是21世纪理想的清洁能源。电解水制氢是一种清洁的生产技术，在“双碳”的背景下得到蓬勃发展，其关键挑战在于开发高性能的析氢反应（HER）电催化剂，以降低水分解的过电势。详细介绍了目前主流的电解水制氢技术，分析了各技术的自身特性和优劣势，重点总结概括了HER催化剂的研究进展，最后对电解水制氢技术及其催化剂的发展方向进行了展望。

关键词: 氢能, 电解水技术, 析氢反应, 电催化剂, 过渡金属催化剂

CLC Number:

TQ151

Yujing Zhang, Baoshan Zhang, Jie Sun. Progress in Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis and Its Electrocatalysts[J]. Journal of Petrochemical Universities, 2022, 35(6): 19-27.

张瑀净, 张宝山, 孙洁. 电解水制氢技术及其催化剂研究进展[J]. 石油化工高等学校学报, 2022, 35(6): 19-27.

Figures/Tables 8

Fig.1 Working principle diagram of electrolytic hydrogen production

Fig.2 Schematic diagram of preparation of Pt/OLC catalyst

Fig.3 Performance curves of noble metal Ru?based catalysts

Fig.4 Electrochemical performances of transition metals and alloys

Fig.5 Characterization of transition metal oxide catalysts

Fig.6 Characterization of transition metal sulfide catalysts

Fig.7 Peformance curves of transition metal phosphide catalysts

Fig.8 d?band center position of catalyst

References 73

1	Chen D K，Chen S Y，Jin H，et al.The impact of energy regulation on energy intensity and energy structure：Firm⁃level evidence from China［J］.China Economic Review，2020，59：101351.
2	陆之毅.纳米阵列合成及其电化学性能研究［D］.北京：北京化工大学，2015.
3	郭博文，罗聃，周红军，等.可再生能源电解制氢技术及催化剂的研究进展［J］.化工进展，2021，40（6）：2933⁃2951.
	Guo B W，Luo D，Zhou H J，et al.Recent advances in renewable energy electrolysis hydrogen production technology and related electrocatalysts［J］.Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress，2021，40（6）：2933⁃2951.
4	Brauns J，Turek T.Alkaline water electrolysis powered by renewable energy：A review［J］.Processes，2020，8（2）：248.
5	Zeng K，Zhang D K.Recent progress in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production and applications［J］.Progress in Energy and Combustion Science，2010，36（3）：307⁃326.
6	马晓锋，张舒涵，何勇，等.PEM电解水制氢技术的研究现状与应用展望［J］.太阳能学报，2022，43（6）：420⁃427.
	Ma X F，Zhang S H，He Y，et al.Research status and application prospect of PEM water electrolysis technology for hydrogen production［J］.Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica，2022，43（6）：420⁃427.
7	Reza A，Brian P，Lin S，et al.A roadmap to low⁃cost hydrogen with hydroxide exchange membrane electrolyzers［J］.Advanced Materials，2019，31（31）：1805876.
8	Anwar S，Khan F，Zhang Y H，et al.Recent development in electrocatalysts for hydrogen production through water electrolysis［J］.International Journal of Hydrogen Energy，2021，46（63）：32284⁃32317.
9	Ursua A，Gandia L M，Sanchis P，et al.Hydrogen production from water electrolysis：Current status and future trends［J］.Proceedings of the IEEE，2012，100（2）：410⁃426.
10	Khatib F N，Wilberforce T，Ijaodol O，et al.Material degradation of components in polymer electrolyte membrane （PEM） electrolytic cell and mitigation mechanisms：A review［J］.Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews，2019，111：1⁃14.
11	刘玮，万燕鸣，熊亚林，等.碳中和目标下电解水制氢关键技术及价格平准化分析［J］.电工技术学报，2022，37（11）：2888⁃2896.
	Liu W，Wan Y M，Xiong Y L，et al.Key technology of water electrolysis and levelized cost of hydrogen analysis under carbon neutral vision［J］.Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society，2022，37（11）：2888⁃2896.
12	孙培锋，吴守城，卢海勇，等.新能源制氢及氢能应用浅述［J］.能源研究与信息，2021，37（4）：207⁃213.
	Sun P F，Wu S C，Lu H Y，et al.Hydrogen production from new energy and its application［J］.Energy Research and Information，2021，37（4）：207⁃213.
13	Vincent I，Kruger A，Bessarabov D，et al.Hydrogen production by water electrolysis with an ultrathin anion⁃exchange membrane （AEM）［J］.International Journal of Electrochemical Science，2018，13（12）：11347⁃11358.
14	Park J E，Kang S Y，Oh S H，et al.High⁃performance anion exchange membrane water electrolysis［J］.Electrochimica Acta，2019，295：99⁃106.
15	Chen P J，Hu X L.High⁃efficiency anion exchange membrane water electrolysis employing non⁃noble metal catalysts［J］.Advanced Energy Materials，2020，10（39）：2002285.
16	Barbir F.PEM electrolysis for production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources［J］.Solar Energy，2005，78（5）：661⁃669.
17	Carmo M，Fritz D L，Merge J，et al.A comprehensive review on PEM water electrolysis［J］.International Journal of Hydrogen Energy，2013，38（12）：4901⁃4934.
18	温昶，张博涵，王雅钦，等.高效质子交换膜电解水制氢技术的研究进展［J］.华中科技大学学报（自然科学版），2023，51（1）：111⁃122.
	Wen C，Zhang B H，Wang Y Q，et al.Research progress of high efficiency proton exchange membrane water electrolysis technology［J］.Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology （Natural Science Edition），2023，51（1）：111⁃122.
19	米万良，荣峻峰.质子交换膜（PEM）水电解制氢技术进展及应用前景［J］.石油炼制与化工，2021，52（10）：78⁃87.
	Mi W L，Rong J F.Progress and application prospect of proton exchange membrane （PEM） hydroelectrolysis for hydrogen production［J］.Petroleum Processing and Petrochemicals，2021，52（10）：78⁃87.
20	杜迎晨，雷浩，钱余海，等.电解水制氢技术概述及发展现状［J］.上海节能，2021（8）：824⁃831.
	Du Y C，Lei H，Qian Y H，et al.Technology overview and development status of hydrogen production from water electrolysis［J］.Shanghai Energy Conservation，2021（8）：824⁃831.
21	张文强，于波，陈靖，等.高温固体氧化物电解水制氢技术［J］.化学进展，2008，20（5）：778⁃787.
	Zhang W Q，Yu B，Chen J，et al.Hydrogen production through solid oxide electrolysis at elevated temperatures［J］.Progress in Chemistry，2008，20（5）：778⁃787.
22	Kim J，Jun A，Gwon O，et al.Hybrid⁃solid oxide electrolysis cell：A new strategy for efficient hydrogen production［J］.Nano Energy，2018，44：121⁃126.
23	陈彬，谢和平，刘涛，等.碳中和背景下先进制氢原理与技术研究进展［J］.工程科学与技术，2022，54（1）：106⁃116.
	Chen B，Xie H P，Liu T，et al.Principles and progress of advanced hydrogen production technologies in the context of carbon neutrality［J］.Advanced Engineering Sciences，2022，54（1）：106⁃116.
24	徐雯雯.纳米阵列的表面调控及相关电催化性能研究［D］.北京：北京化工大学，2019.
25	孟凡，张惠铃，姬姗姗，等.高效电解水制氢发展现状与技术优化策略［J］.黑龙江大学自然科学学报，2021，38（6）：702⁃713.
	Meng F，Zhang H L，Ji S S，et al.Progress and technology strategies of hydrogen evolution reaction by high efficiency water electrolysis［J］.Journal of Natural Science of Heilongjiang University，2021，38（6）：702⁃713.
26	Yin Y，Han J C，Zhang Y M，et al.Contributions of phase，sulfur vacancies， and edges to the hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity of porous molybdenum disulfide nanosheets［J］.Journal of the American Chemical Society，2016，138（25）：7965⁃7972.
27	Deng D H，Novoselov K S，Fu Q，et al.Catalysis with two⁃dimensional materials and their heterostructures［J］.Nature Nanotechnology，2016，11（3）：218⁃230.
28	Liu D B，Li X Y，Chen S M，et al.Atomically dispersed platinum supported on curved carbon supports for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution［J］.Nature Energy，2019，4（6）：512⁃518.
29	Zhang L，Wang Q，Si R T，et al.New insight of pyrrole⁃like nitrogen for boosting hydrogen evolution activity and stability of Pt single atoms［J］.Small，2021，17（16）：2004453.
30	Yin X P，Wang H J，Tang S F，et al.Engineering the coordination environment of single⁃atom platinum anchored on graphdiyne for optimizing electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution［J］.Angewandte Chemie，2018，57（30）：9382⁃9386.
31	Li F，Han G F，Bu Y F，et al.Unveiling the critical role of active site interaction in single atom catalyst towards hydrogen evolution catalysis［J］.Nano Energy，2022，93：106819.
32	Li Q，Cheng W Y，Zeng C，et al.Facile and rapid synthesis of Pt⁃NiOx/NiF composites as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution［J］.International Journal of Hydrogen Energy，2022，47（12）：7504⁃7510.
33	蔡文斌.贵金属基催化剂的制备及其电解水性能研究［D］.合肥：中国科学技术大学，2021.
34	Wu Q L，Luo M，Han J H，et al.Identifying electrocatalytic sites of the nanoporous copper⁃ruthenium alloy for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolyte［J］.ACS Energy Letters，2020，5（1）：192⁃199.
35	Li Y，Luo Y T，Zhang Z Y，et al.Implanting Ru nanoclusters into N⁃doped graphene for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution［J］.Carbon，2021，183：362⁃367.
36	Li F，Han G F，Noh H J，et al.Mechanochemically assisted synthesis of a Ru catalyst for hydrogen evolution with performance superior to Pt in both acidic and alkaline media［J］.Advanced Materials，2018，30（44）：1803676.
37	Kong D S，Cha J J，Wang H T，et al.First⁃row transition metal dichalcogenide catalysts for hydrogen evolution reation［J］.Energy & Environment Science，2013，6（12）：3553⁃3558.
38	Shao Q，Wang Y，Yang S Z，et al.Stabilizing and activating metastable nickel nanocrystals for highly efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis［J］.ACS Nano，2018，12（11）：11625⁃11631.
39	Yang L，Zhou H，Qin X，et al.Cathodic electrochemical activation of Co₃O₄ nanoarrays：A smart strategy to significantly boost the hydrogen evolution activity［J］.Chemical Communications，2018，54（17）：2150⁃2153.
40	Begum H，Ahmed M S，Jeon S，et al.δ⁃MnO₂ nanoflowers on sulfonated graphene sheets for stable oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.Electrochimica Acta，2019，296：235⁃242.
41	Wang Y，Liu J C，Liao Y F，et al.Hetero⁃structured V⁃Ni₃S₂@NiOOH core⁃shell nanorods from an electrochemical anodization for water splitting［J］.Journal of Alloys and Compounds，2021，856：158219.
42	An L，Feng J R，Zhang Y，et al.Epitaxial heterogeneous interfaces on N⁃NiMoO₄/NiS₂ nanowires/nanosheets to boost hydrogen and oxygen production for overall water splitting［J］.Advanced Functional Materials，2019，29（1）：1805298.
43	Xie J F，Xie Y.Transition metal nitrides for electrocatalytic energy conversion：Opportunities and challenges［J］.Chemistry⁃A European Journal，2016，22（11）：3588⁃3598.
44	Abghoui Y，Skulason E.Hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by transition⁃metal nitrides［J］.Journal of Physical Chemistry C，2017，121（43）：24036⁃24045.
45	Popczun E J，Mckone J R，Read C G，et al.Nanostructured nickel phosphide as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.Journal of the American Chemistry Society，2013，135（25）：9267⁃9270.
46	Kibsgaard J，Tsai C，Chan K，et al.Designing an improved transition metal phosphide catalyst for hydrogen evolution using experimental and theoretical trends［J］.Energy Environmental Science，2015，8（10）：3022⁃3029.
47	Tang C，Asiri A M，Luo Y L，et al.Electrodeposited Ni⁃P alloy nanoparticle films for efficiently catalyzing hydrogen and oxygen⁃evolution reactions［J］.Chemnanomat，2015，1（8）：558⁃561.
48	Jin H Y，Liu X，Chen S M，et al.Heteroatom⁃doped transition metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.ACS Energy Letters，2019，4（4）：805⁃810.
49	Wang L X，Li Y，Xia M R，et al.Ni nanoparticles supported on graphene layers：An excellent 3D electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution［J］.Journal of Power Sources，2017，347：220⁃228.
50	Gong M，Zhou W，Tsai M C，et al.Nanoscale nickel oxide/nickel heterostructures for active hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis［J］.Nature Communications，2014，5：4695.
51	Lü Q L，Yang L，Wang W，et al.One⁃step construction of core/shell nanoarrays with a holey shell and exposed interfaces for overall water splitting［J］.Journal of Materials Chemistry A，2019，7（3）：1196⁃1205.
52	Zhang T，Wu M Y，Yan D Y，et al.Engineering oxygen vacancy on NiO nanorod arrays for alkaline hydrogen evolution［J］.Nano Energy，2018，43：103⁃109.
53	Liu D L，Zhang C，Yu Y F，et al.Hydrogen evolution activity enhancement by tuning the oxygen vacancies in self⁃supported mesoporous spinel oxide nanowire arrays［J］.Nano Research，2018，11（2）：603⁃613.
54	Joo J，Kim T，Lee J，et al.Morphology⁃controlled metal sulfides and phosphides for electrochemical water splitting［J］.Advanced Materials，2019，31（14）：1806682.
55	Zhang J，Wang T，Pohl D，et al.Interface engineering of MoS₂/Ni₃S₂ heterostructures for highly enhanced electrochemical overall⁃water⁃splitting activity［J］.Angewandte Chemie⁃International Edition，2016，55（23）：6702⁃6707.
56	Zhong X Y，Tang J，Wang J W，et al.3D heterostructured pure and N⁃doped Ni₃S₂/VS₂ nanosheets for high efficient overall water splitting［J］.Electrochimica Acta，2018，269：55⁃61.
57	Li H，Tasi C，Koh A L，et al.Activating and optimizing MoS₂ basal planes for hydrogen evolution through the formation of strained sulphur vacancies［J］.Nature Materials，2016，15（3）：48⁃53.
58	Tian T，Huang L，Ai L H，et al.Surface anion⁃rich NiS₂ hollow microspheres derived from metal⁃organic frameworks as a robust electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.Journal of Materials Chemistry A，2017，5（39）：20985⁃20992.
59	Feng L L，Yu G T，Wu Y Y，et al.High⁃index faceted Ni₃S₂ nanosheet arrays as highly active and ultrastable electrocatalysts for water splitting［J］.Journal of the American Chemical Society，2015，137（44）：14023⁃14026.
60	Pei Y，Cheng Y，Chen J Y，et al.Recent developments of transition metal phosphides as catalysts in the energy conversion field［J］.Journal of Materials Chemistry A，2018，6（46）：23220⁃23243.
61	Liu Q，Tang C，Lu S Y，et al.Rationally tuning the atomic ratio of electrodeposited NiP for greatly enhanced hydrogen evolution in alkaline media［J］.Chemical Communications，2018，54（87）：2408⁃2411.
62	Callejas J F，Read C G，Popczun E J，et al.Nanostructured Co₂P electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction and direct comparison with morphologically equivalent CoP［J］.Chemistry of Materials，2015，27（10）：3769⁃3774.
63	Mo Q L，Zhang W B，He L Q，et al.Bimetallic Ni_2- xCoxP/N⁃doped carbon nanofibers：Solid⁃solution⁃alloy engineering toward efficient hydrogen evolution［J］.Applied Catalysis B：Environmental，2019，224：620⁃627.
64	Kumar A，Bui V Q，Lee J，et al.Modulating interfacial charge density of NiP₂⁃FeP₂ via coupling with metallic Cu for accelerating alkaline hydrogen evolution［J］.ACS Energy Letters，2021，6（2）：354⁃363.
65	Li S S，Li E Z，An X W，et al.Transition metal⁃based catalysts for electrochemical water splitting at high current density：Current status and perspectives［J］.Nanoscale，2021，13（30）：12788⁃12817.
66	Chen Z J，Duan X G，Wei W，et al.Recent advances in transition metal⁃based electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution［J］.Journal of Materials Chemistry A，2019，7：14971.
67	Jin H Y，Liu X，Vasileff A，et al.Single⁃crystal nitrogen⁃rich two⁃dimensional Mo₅N₆ nanosheets for efficient and stable seawater splitting［J］.ACS Nano，2019，12（12）：12761⁃12769.
68	Ma Y M，He Z D，Wu Z F，et al.Galvanic⁃replacement mediated synthesis of copper⁃nickel nitrides as electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.Journal of Materials Chemistry A，2017，5（47）：24850⁃24858.
69	Wu A P，Xie Y，Ma H，et al.Integrating the active OER and HER components as the heterostructures for the efficient overall water splitting［J］.Nano Energy，2018，44：353⁃363.
70	Dai L M.Functionalization of graphene for efficient energy conversion and storage［J］.Accounts of Chemical Research，2013，46（1）：31⁃42.
71	Ito Y，Cong W T，Fujita T，et al.High catalytic activity of nitrogen and sulfur Co⁃doped nanoporous graphene in the hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.Angewandte Chemie⁃International Edition，2015，54（7）：2131⁃2136.
72	Ersozoglu M G，Gursu H，Gumrukcu S，et al.Single step electrochemical semi⁃exfoliated S⁃doped graphene⁃like structures from commercial carbon fiber as efficient metal⁃free catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction［J］.ChemElectroChem，2022，9（2）：e202101455.
73	Zhang J T，Dai L M.Nitrogen，phosphorus，and fluorine tri⁃doped graphene as a multifunctional catalyst for self⁃powered electrochemical water splitting［J］.Angewandte Chemie⁃International Edition，2016，55（42）：13296⁃13300.

[1]	Mengshan Liu, Chao Meng, Han Hu, Mingbo Wu. Preparation of NiMoN Catalytic Electrode Material for Hydrogen Production via Seawater Electrolysis [J]. Journal of Petrochemical Universities, 2023, 36(2): 1-9.
[2]	Dong Li, Kunyan Wang, Yuqiao Wang. Effects of NiCoP with Different Dimension on Hydrogen Evolution Reaction [J]. Journal of Petrochemical Universities, 2023, 36(2): 70-77.
[3]	Lin Fan, Lei Yang, Xiaozhen Che, Duo Li, Liwei Pan, Hexiang Zhong. Research Progress of Metal Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of CO₂ to CO [J]. Journal of Petrochemical Universities, 2022, 35(6): 48-58.
[4]	Jian Song, Qiao Han, Zhanxu Yang. Preparation of NiMoP/C Composite Material and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance [J]. Journal of Petrochemical Universities, 2022, 35(1): 1-9.