Navigating the energy crisis: design principles and challenges in the development of high-performance catalysts for electrolytic water splitting

Abstract

The escalating global energy crisis and the imperative to achieve carbon neutrality have propelled electrolytic water splitting into the spotlight as a pivotal technology for sustainable hydrogen production. This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of high-performance catalyst development, dissecting the fundamental mechanisms, design principles, and persistent challenges in both the hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Beginning with an analysis of the HER and OER reaction pathways, we elucidate the kinetic and thermodynamic barriers that govern efficiency, including the critical roles of overpotential, Tafel slopes, and active site density. A systematic evaluation of key performance indicators, such as turnover frequency, electrochemical surface area, and long-term stability, provides a framework for benchmarking catalyst efficacy. We then delve into advanced design strategies, spanning electronic structure modulation via doping and heterojunction engineering, nanostructural optimization, and the integration of robust support materials, while evaluating the translational challenges of bridging laboratory breakthroughs with industrial scalability requirements. The review further highlights interdisciplinary synergies between computational modeling, operando characterization, and circular economy principles to chart a roadmap for facilitating the evolution of environmentally friendly hydrogen-based energy frameworks. The article explores the design principles of high-performance catalysts, examining the critical factors that influence their effectiveness in real-world applications. It discusses the fundamental scientific concepts underlying catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity, while also considering practical aspects such as cost and scalability. Through multidisciplinary assessment of emerging innovations and technical bottlenecks, this review establishes design principles for high-performance catalysts essential in mitigating fossil fuel dependency and accelerating renewable hydrogen integration, ultimately contributing to a resilient and carbon-neutral energy future.