Metal–support interactions of 2D carbon-based heterogeneous catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

As research on metal catalytic centers and catalyst supports advances, the interactions (metal–support interactions, MSIs) between them have garnered significant attention. For 2D carbon materials, the inert surface and absence of direct loading sites limit the direct enhancement of catalyst supports. However, further investigation into the optimization and promotion of MSI, including via doping heteroatoms and functional groups onto carbon surfaces between the 2D carbon support and metal active centers, which facilitates the uniform dispersion of active metal sites, induces rearrangement of atoms on high-energy crystal planes, and establishes efficient electron transfer pathways to accelerate electron transfer across interfaces, has resulted in outstanding HER performance. In this review, the preparation approaches and the effective carbon surface chemical treatment of 2D carbon-based heterogeneous catalysts are presented. Additionally, a thorough analysis of MSI effects including dispersion of metal active sites, establishment of electron transfer pathways, and electronic structure regulation by lattice strain is discussed in detail. Moreover, personal insights into the prospects and challenges associated with MSI in enhancing HER performance on the 2D carbon matrix are also presented.