The Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Medium: An Overview

The recent advances in electrocatalysis for the hydrogen evolution reactions in acid and alkaline media are carefully reviewed. In this sense, this short review focuses on precious and non-precious catalytic centers. The recent development of HOR electrocatalysts with novel structures and compositions is highlighted. The understandings of the correlation between the activity and the shape, size, composition, and synthesis methods are summarized. The research directions, e.g., on the further development of more active, more stable, and less expensive electrocatalysts for the anion-exchange membranes for the alkaline fuel cell technology are provided. In this context, positive perspectives to overcome the high kinetic barriers encountered in alkaline medium can be expected in the years to come.