Surface Reconstruction of Water Splitting Electrocatalysts

Abstract Water electrolysis is regarded as an efficient and green method to produce hydrogen gas, a clean energy carrier that holds the key to solving global energy problems. So far, the efficiency and large‐scale application of water electrolysis are restricted by the electrocatalytic activity of applied catalysts. Recently, the reconstruction phenomenon of electrocatalysts during a catalytic reaction has been discovered, which could form reactive sites for both the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions. Regulation of the reconstruction process to generate a large number of reactive species with high activity has since been demonstrated as an effective strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts. This review summarizes recent progress in the regulation strategies for reconstruction reactions. First, the mechanism of water electrolysis is briefly introduced, and the critical factors regarding the reconstruction process are systematically discussed, followed by a brief introduction of advanced characterization for reconstruction. Moreover, the modulation strategies are summarized with reported examples highlighting the promoted effects on the reconstruction process. Finally, the challenges facing surface‐reconstructed catalysts for water electrolysis in the future are discussed.