Nanostructured Electrocatalysts for Green Hydrogen Production

In the dynamic and vital field of renewable energy, developing efficient and sustainable hydrogen‑production techniques is essential to reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. Nanostructured electrocatalysts play a crucial role in this effort by significantly enhancing the efficiency of the electrochemical water‑splitting process, which is fundamental to green hydrogen production. Despite notable progress, optimizing these materials for large‑scale application remains challenging, particularly regarding durability, activity, and cost‑effectiveness, all of which demand sustained research.

Why Green Hydrogen?

The urgency surrounding green hydrogen is critical in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. Produced using renewable energy, green hydrogen offers a zero‑emission alternative to fossil fuels and can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, transportation, and energy storage. Hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, are highly efficient and emit only water vapor, making them ideal for applications such as fuel cell vehicles, buses, and trucks. They provide quick refueling, long driving ranges, and zero emissions, helping reduce both air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. Scaling up green hydrogen and fuel-cell technology is essential to meet global climate goals and transition to a sustainable, clean energy future.

This Research Topic focuses on exploring cutting-edge advancements within the design, synthesis, and practical application of nanostructured electrocatalysts tailored for electrolysis. The main objectives are to clarify electrocatalyst design principles and promote integration of these catalysts into existing energy systems. Additionally, we aim to evaluate various nanomaterials in terms of efficiency and economic viability for hydrogen production, paving the way for next-generation energy solutions.

The scope of this Research Topic spans several themes, and we warmly invite contributions that include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Novel synthetic approaches: Developing fabrication methods that enhance catalyst efficiency and throughput.
• Characterization and optimization: Investigating nanostructured electrocatalyst properties to improve their catalytic activity and stability during hydrogen production processes.
• Integration strategies: Exploring approaches for embedding nano-catalysts into commercial and industrial hydrogen systems and hybrid renewable energy technologies
• Comparative studies: Evaluating cost-effectiveness, performance, and environmental impact of nanomaterial-based electrocatalysts versus conventional catalytic solutions.
• Theoretical models and simulations: Advancing the current understanding through computational models and simulations aimed at predicting and optimizing the nanoscale electrocatalytic process mechanisms.

Contributions in these areas are vital to advancing hydrogen production technologies, which play a pivotal role in the global transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Green Hydrogen, Nanostructured Electrocatalysts, Electrochemical Water Splitting, Renewable Energy, Scalability Challenges

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.