Recent Advances in Mechanistic Insights, and Regulation Strategies of Cobalt-Based Catalysts for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

This review examines recent progress in cobalt-based molecular catalysts for electrochemical water splitting as a sustainable route for green hydrogen (H2) production. H2 is highlighted as a clean energy carrier, with water splitting, comprising the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), offering an environmentally friendly production pathway. While noble metal catalysts exhibit high efficiency, their scarcity and cost drive the search for earth-abundant alternatives. Cobalt-based complexes have emerged as promising candidates due to their natural abundance, favorable redox properties, and variable valence states. The review discusses fundamental principles of water splitting and recent advances in catalyst design, emphasizing synthetic strategies such as structural engineering, morphological control, and compositional tuning to improve catalytic activity. Mechanistic insights into HER are analyzed in relation to catalyst structure and electronic properties. Remaining challenges, including stability, scalability, and efficiency, are also addressed, along with future research directions.