Dual-Atom Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Hydrogen (H2) has recently gained considerable interest as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, presenting a clean and sustainable energy source. However, achieving the cost-effective production of hydrogen at a commercial scale is still challenging. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has great potential as a means for achieving efficient hydrogen production, where the electrocatalysis process plays a vital role. Regarding this, the development of cost-effective, active, and stable electrocatalysts that can enhance the reaction kinetics and reduce the overpotential required for HER, is essential to make the process practical. Recently, dual-atom catalysts (DACs), which are an extension of single-atom catalysts (SACs), have garnered significant attention. Compared to SACs, DACs offer advantages such as higher metal loadings and greater flexibility of active sites. This chapter aims to offer insights into the recent developments in DACs. It provides an overview of the existing methods used to synthesize DACs. Furthermore, it delves into the various techniques employed to characterize DACs. This encompasses aspects like electronic structure, local coordination, and geometric configuration of bimetallic dimers. The chapter also provides a summary of the electrocatalytic application of DACs for HER. Finally, it outlines potential future research directions for the advancement of DACs in HER application.