Research progress on non-platinum-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions

Hydrogen, with its zero-carbon footprint and high energy density, has emerged as a critical energy carrier. The performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)—the core reaction in water electrolysis for hydrogen production—relies heavily on catalysts. However, the scarcity and high cost of the precious metal platinum have hindered its large-scale application. This review systematically categorizes non-platinum HER catalysts (transition metal-based, carbon-based, heterostructure composites), summarizes synthesis methods and performance benchmarks, and focuses on analyzing the structure-performance relationships within three mainstream systems. Research indicates that transition metal-based catalysts can enhance activity through electronic structure tuning, carbon-supported doped catalysts optimize mass transfer via high specific surface area, and heterostructure composite catalysts synergistically improve stability. Concurrently, it identifies current industrialization bottlenecks such as matching activity and stability, and scaling-up preparation. This review provides guidance for the targeted design and industrial application of non-platinum HER catalysts.