From Activity to Stability: Dissolution-Mediated Surface Reconstruction and Redeposition in Transition Metal-Based Electrocatalysts

Abstract

A climax in the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts has been witnessed recently for sustainable energy and related energy conversion technologies, especially for the transition metal-based electrocatalysts with cost-effectiveness and tunable electronic structure. However, a comprehensive review on the structural reconstruction that occurs during hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions, along with the associated dissolution and redeposition equilibria is lacking, which is pivotal to addressing the delicate balance between activity and stability. In this review, the fabrication strategies of the transition metal-based electrocatalysts are first introduced. Then, the critical challenges related to the excessive structural reconstruction of electrocatalysts under prolonged operational conditions are discussed, which can activate intermediate species and boost intrinsic activity, but is inevitably accompanied by specific component dissolution to compromise the structure/catalytic stability. Moreover, the dynamic reversible process of component dissolution and redeposition in recent studies is highlighted, which effectively stabilizes the active sites and extends the design principles for creating active and robust interfaces. Furthermore, the surface dynamic equilibrium of electrocatalysts in complex environments is discussed, which can achieve selectively adsorption/repulsion of specific species and formation of protective layers against corrosion. Finally, the challenges and developments related to the surface dynamic construction toward well controlled practical electrocatalysts are proposed. This review will guide the design of high-performance, durable electrocatalysts tailored for hydrogen production.