THE PROSPECTS OF NICKEL-BASED ALLOYS AS COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ELECTROCATALYSTS FOR HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN EVOLUTION REACTIONS

Abstract

Nickel-based alloy electrocatalysts have emerged as highly promising, cost-effective alternatives to noble metals for driving both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis. Their tunable electronic structures, synergistic alloying effects, and corrosion resistance enable high activity and stability, making them key candidates for sustainable hydrogen production. This perspective highlights recent advances in binary (Ni-Mo, Ni-Fe, Ni-Co) and ternary alloys, emphasizing how composition and nanostructure optimization enhance catalytic performance. We discuss the critical role of synthesis methods in tailoring active sites and explore cutting-edge strategies such as defect engineering, heterostructuring, and support integration to maximize durability and efficiency. Furthermore, we examine how in-situ/operando characterization and computational modeling provide mechanistic insights into reaction pathways and catalyst degradation. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in scaling up production, ensuring long-term stability under industrial conditions, and integrating electrolyzers with renewable energy sources. Addressing these barriers will be essential for deploying Ni-based catalysts in practical green hydrogen systems. Future research should leverage machine learning-guided design and advanced structural engineering to unlock their full potential, paving the way for large-scale clean energy applications.