Recent advances in surface oxophilicity modification of catalyst for promoting electrocatalytic alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction

Improving the kinetics of alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is the key point for developing anion-exchange membrane fuel cells. Surface oxophilicity modification of catalysts has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for substantially accelerating the kinetics of alkaline HOR, while the mechanism of HOR and the influences of surface oxophilicity modification on the performance of catalysts is still unclear and under debate. Against this background, this review starts by discussing the HOR mechanism and the prevailing theories, including the hydrogen binding energy (HBE), bifunctional and some other theories. Next, the effects of surface oxophilicity on HOR activity are also emphasized, which include the regulation of HBE and hydroxyl binding energy (OHBE), weakening the binding strength of CO, and improving the antioxidation capability. Moreover, the applications of various electrocatalysts with high surface oxophilicity toward electrocatalytic HOR are also manifested. Lastly, the remaining controversies about the modification of surface oxophilicity and alkaline HOR mechanisms as well as the possible directions of this field are also outlined. • Oxophilicity modification can induce favorable effects for hydrogen oxidation. • Some important theories about the alkaline hydrogen oxidation are proposed. • Typical examples of oxophilicity-enhanced HOR performance are further introduced. • The future challenges and perspectives of this field are manifested.