Platinum-Based Catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Recent Advances in Preparation and Performance

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via water electrolysis is a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production with minimal environmental impact. Platinum (Pt)-based catalysts are well known for their exceptional HER activity; however, the high cost of Pt as a precious metal and the tendency of single Pt atoms to aggregatethereby reducing catalytic performancepose significant challenges. To address these limitations, researchers have developed a variety of strategies for synthesizing Pt-based catalysts. This review highlights three recent advances in catalyst design and engineering: nanostructuring, alloying, and support engineering. These strategies simultaneously enhance catalytic activity via structural optimization and mitigate material costs. Representative studies in both acidic and alkaline media are discussed to illustrate how structural innovations improve HER performance. By summarizing the latest progress, existing challenges such as poor long-term stability, limited activity in alkaline environments, and difficulties in large-scale synthesis are identified, and guidance for the rational design of next-generation Pt-based catalysts with high efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness for practical hydrogen production is provided. Future directions may include the development of novel low-Pt or Pt-free materials, innovative synthesis techniques and investigation of new application domains.