Bubbles Management for Enhanced Catalytic Water Splitting Performance

Water splitting is widely acknowledged as an efficient method for hydrogen production. In recent years, significant research efforts have been directed towards developing cost-effective electrocatalysts. However, the management of bubbles formed on the electrode surface during electrolysis has been largely overlooked. These bubbles can impede the active sites, resulting in decreased catalytic performance and stability, especially at high current densities. Consequently, this impediment affects the energy conversion efficiency of water splitting. To address these challenges, this review offers a comprehensive overview of advanced strategies aimed at improving catalytic performance and mitigating the obstructive effects of bubbles in water splitting. These strategies primarily involve the utilization of experimental apparatus to observe bubble-growth behavior, encompassing nucleation, growth, and detachment stages. Moreover, the review examines factors influencing bubble formation, considering both mechanical behaviors and internal factors. Additionally, the design of efficient water-splitting catalysts is discussed, focusing on modifying electrode-surface characteristics. Finally, the review concludes by summarizing the potential of bubble management in large-scale industrial hydrogen production and identifying future directions for achieving efficient hydrogen production.