Research progress on polymer electrochemical hydrogen evolution

Facing global energy shortages and environmental pollution, hydrogen energy is recognized as a key energy source for future energy transition due to its high energy density and zero-emission characteristics. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as an efficient hydrogen production method, has attracted widespread attention from researchers. Among numerous electrocatalytic materials, polymers have garnered significant attention due to their tunable molecular structures, low cost, high stability, and versatility in facilitating hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), oxygen evolution reactions (OER), oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), carbon dioxide reduction reactions, and nitrate reduction reactions. Based on studies of the mechanisms underlying these catalytic reactions, significant progress has been made in optimizing the properties of polymer materials. Therefore, this review summarizes the research advances in polymer-based electrocatalytic hydrogen production and discusses the challenges and future directions in the field of polymer-based electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen generation. It is expected to provide valuable insights and references for exploring and studying other catalytic reactions.