Functions and performance of ionic liquids in enhancing electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions: a comprehensive review

Abstract

As a green and renewable energy source, hydrogen can be produced by the electrolysis of water via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Nevertheless, this method requires efficient and low-cost electro-catalysts to improve hydrogen production efficiency. Ionic liquids (ILs), with a unique combination of such superior properties as low vapor pressure, high electrical conductivity, high electrochemical stability, and a wide variety of functional groups, have found applications in electrochemical systems designed for efficient HER. Herein, we provide a comprehensive and updated review on the functions and performance of ILs used in electrochemical systems to enhance the HER. As the name suggests, ILs have been employed either as electrolytes by themselves, or as electrolyte additives. They also played many functional roles in the synthesis of HER electrocatalysts, including as the synthesis reaction solvent, reaction precursor as well as single/dual ion sources, binder and structure-directing agents of the catalysts. With the assistance of ILs, HER efficiency of electrocatalysts was improved significantly, resulting in decreased overpotentials in the range of 16–385 mV @ 10 mA cm⁻² and increased Tafel slopes in the range of 30–210 mV dec⁻¹. Lastly, the problems and challenges of ILs in electrocatalytic water electrolysis and HER are also discussed and their prospects considered.