Study on catalyst-support interactions in high-entropy catalysts toward electrochemical water splitting reactions

Electrochemical water splitting represents an advanced and sustainable approach for hydrogen production, fundamentally involving the hydrogen evolution reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction. The choice of electrocatalysts has a significant influence on the efficacy of these reactions. As global demand for clean hydrogen energy escalates, high-entropy catalysts, particularly those derived from high-entropy alloys (HEAs), have emerged as viable and cost-effective alternatives to conventional noble metal catalysts. This review examines recent advancements in the development of both noble and non-noble metal-based HEAs, with a focus on their applications in electrochemical water splitting. It emphasizes strategies to enhance extrinsic activity, notably through the exploitation of strong metal-support interactions and the engineering of porous surface architectures. We pay particular attention to the design principles that optimize both the intrinsic catalytic properties and extrinsic structural features, ultimately enhancing the overall electrocatalytic performance. By offering the latest insights into the rational design of HEAs, this review aims to propel their integration into next-generation water-splitting technologies, addressing both efficiency and sustainability in hydrogen production.