Pt and Pt–Ni(OH)2 Electrodes for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Electrolytes and Their Nanoscaled Electrocatalysts

Abstract The design and synthesis of Pt‐based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of great importance for the successful development of hydrogen‐based alternative energy technologies. Although Pt is considered to be the most active catalyst for the HER, its reaction performance is limited in alkaline solutions owing to a slow rate for water dissociation. Therefore, many research groups have intensively investigated reaction mechanisms and developed system designs and efficient Pt‐based catalysts to enhance the alkaline HER. Herein, we summarize the catalytic surface specificity of Pt and Pt–Ni(OH) 2 materials to control the kinetics of the alkaline HER. In particular, we increase our understanding of Ni(OH) 2 ‐modified Pt surfaces and the corresponding nanoscaled Pt–Ni(OH) 2 electrocatalysts to improve the sluggish water‐dissociation step, and this knowledge will guide us to future sustainable energy applications of advanced nanomaterials.