Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Amorphous transition metal-based ribbon electrocatalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance for water splitting compared to crystalline counterparts due to unique atomic configurations. • Dealloying is a promising method to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of ribbon-shaped catalysts. • Strategies such as morphology control, defect engineering, composition optimization, and heterostructure creation are effective in boosting the activity of amorphous TM-based ribbons. • The review highlights the potential of self-supporting TM ribbon electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production, addressing challenges and future directions.
Abstract
Recent advancements in electrocatalysis have highlighted the exceptional application value of amorphous electrocatalysts. With their unique atomic configurations, these electrocatalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance compared to that of their crystalline counterparts. Transition metal (TM) amorphous ribbon-shaped electrocatalysts have recently emerged as a new frontier in the catalysis field. Dealloying is widely considered a fascinating method for enhancing the electrocatalyst performance. In this review, we comprehensively examine the principles of water electrolysis, discuss the prevalent methods for fabricating ribbon-configured electrocatalysts, and provide an overview of amorphous alloys. Furthermore, we discuss binary, ternary, and high-entropy amorphous TM-based electrocatalysts, which satisfy the requirements necessary for effective water electrolysis. We also propose strategies to enhance the activity of amorphous TM-based ribbons, including morphology control, defect engineering, composition optimization, and heterostructure creation in different electrolytes. Our focus extends to the latest developments in the design of heterogeneous micro/nanostructures, management of preparation techniques, and synthesis of different compositions. Finally, we address the ongoing challenges and provide a perspective on the future development of broadly applicable, self-supporting TM ribbon-shaped electrocatalysts.
1. Introduction
The increasing global environmental pollution and ongoing energy crisis have driven the search for clean and renewable energy sources. Hydrogen, with its high energy content, carbon-neutral emission profile, and diverse applications, has emerged as a leading energy carrier. Electrochemical water splitting is a feasible method for converting renewable electricity into hydrogen energy. Under standard conditions (25°C, 101 kPa), electrochemical water splitting is an endothermic reaction that requires an energy input of 237.1 kJ/mol. The theoretical thermodynamic potential of electrocatalytic decomposition is known to be 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), regardless of the reaction medium. However, practical water splitting is hindered by system internal resistance (e.g., solution resistance and contact resistance) and intrinsic activation barriers at the anode and cathode, which indicate that high overpotentials are required to overcome the kinetic barriers at the anode (oxygen evolution reaction, OER) and cathode (hydrogen evolution reaction, HER).
Developing highly active and robust electrode materials for the OER and HER is crucial for mitigating these limitations and achieving sustainable hydrogen production. The current gold standard in electrocatalysts for water splitting includes platinum for the HER and iridium dioxide (IrO2) or ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) for the OER. However, the high cost and limited availability of these materials pose significant challenges to their widespread commercialization. To address these challenges, extensive research has been directed toward identifying abundant and cost-effective catalysts to replace precious-metal-based alternatives, with notable advancements achieved in this area. Currently, in alkaline conditions, the Volmer–Heyrovsky and the Volmer–Tafel processes are considered two widely accepted reaction pathways in the HER, and the possible pathways for the OER are illustrated.
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Tianjing Li, Hainan Sun, Zhenhua Dan, Lian Zhou (2025). Recent progress on transition metal-based amorphous ribbons as electrocatalysts for water splitting. Int. Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials (矿物冶金与材料学报). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-024-3015-4
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are amorphous transition metal-based ribbon electrocatalysts?
They are ribbon-shaped catalysts made from transition metals in an amorphous (non-crystalline) state, which exhibit unique atomic configurations that enhance catalytic performance for water splitting compared to crystalline counterparts.
Why are amorphous electrocatalysts considered superior for water splitting?
Their disordered atomic structure provides a high density of active sites, improved flexibility, and enhanced diffusion pathways, leading to superior catalytic activity and stability.
What methods are used to fabricate ribbon-configured electrocatalysts?
Common methods include rapid solidification, melt spinning, and dealloying, which are discussed in the review for producing amorphous ribbon-shaped catalysts.
What strategies can enhance the activity of amorphous TM-based ribbons?
Strategies include morphology control, defect engineering, composition optimization, and heterostructure creation, which can be tailored for different electrolytes.
What are the future directions for TM ribbon-shaped electrocatalysts?
Future work focuses on developing broadly applicable, self-supporting ribbon catalysts with improved performance and durability, addressing challenges such as scalability and cost.
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