Non‐Noble Metal Nanocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution

Hydrogen is a promising clean energy vector with a pivotal role toward a sustainable and renewable energy future. The latest advancement in hydrogen evolution reaction is mainly governed through photocatalysis, thermocatalytic steam reforming, and electrocatalysis. Yet the reliance on noble metal catalysts, particularly platinum, remains a key challenge due to their high cost and scarcity. Recent advancements in material science and nanotechnology introduce non-noble metal-based nanocatalysts (transition metal phosphides, sulfides, carbides, and nitrides), offering advantages of earth abundance, cost-effectiveness, and tunable properties. This review explores the current progress and future prospects of non-noble metal-based nanocatalysts for hydrogen production. Advanced characterization tools, such as ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy, provide unprecedented insights into charge carrier dynamics and active site distributions, linking nanoscale structures to catalytic performance. Beyond electrocatalysis, the integration of photocatalytic and thermocatalytic systems with renewable feedstocks is highlighted as a pathway for broader sustainability goals. By addressing challenges in catalyst design, synthesis, and characterization, this work underscores the potential of non-noble metal-based nanocatalysts to rival noble metals, paving the way for transformative advancements in hydrogen production and energy technologies. This comprehensive analysis aims to bridge knowledge gaps and inspire innovative strategies for a sustainable clean hydrogen economy.