Advanced progress of rhenium (Re)-based electrode materials in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution: a review

Pure hydrogen production derived from electrocatalytic water splitting is generally considered as the most promising and environmentally friendly strategy for sustainable energy conversion and storage. The investigation of high-performance and superb durability substitutes of non-noble metals toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on the cathode is an urgent desire but full of challenges. Rhenium (Re)-based materials with theoretically platinum (Pt)-like activity and stability are expected to be an ideal alternative in the electrocatalytic HER. Consequently, the rational construction and regulation of Re-based HER catalysts with excellent activity and stability are essential. In this review, the advanced progress of Re-based electrocatalytic materials for the HER, including metal Re, Re-based alloys and Re-based compounds, is summarized. In particular, four typical strategies to optimize the HER performance of Re-based catalysts, including morphology design, vacancy defects, interface synergism, and doping engineering, are overviewed. Furthermore, the current challenges and prospects are highlighted for prompting the rational design and fabrication of advanced Re-based catalysts for the HER.