Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

In Situ Probing of Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Intermediates: From Single-Crystal Models to Nano-Catalysts

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02286-6
Zhen Zhang
School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China
Xing Chen
School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China
Jian‑Hui Shi
College of Energy, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
Zhi‑Feng He
College of Energy, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
Daniel Cheung
College of Energy, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
Gen Huang
College of Energy, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
Xiaobin Zhong
School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China
Jin‑Chao Dong
School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Jin‑Chao Dong

jcdong@xmu.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 426

Abstract

Understanding electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) mechanisms requires precise identification of key intermediates (H*, OH*, and H2O*). While in situ single-crystal studies have provided foundational mechanistic insights into interfacial dynamics and intermediate behavior during the HER, extending these findings to structurally complex nano-catalysts remains challenging. Recent advances in in situ characterization techniques have enabled real-time observation of reaction intermediates, yet a systematic understanding across diverse catalyst architectures remains incomplete. This review assesses HER intermediate research, bridging the gap from model single-crystals to nano-catalysts by: (i) discussing methods for intermediate identification and their roles in elucidating HER mechanisms, (ii) summarizing single-crystal surface modification strategies bridging single-crystal model and nano-catalyst studies, and (iii) highlighting current challenges and proposing future directions for catalyst design and intermediate characterization, offering valuable perspectives for developing advanced HER electrocatalysts.


Highlights:
1 Comprehensive evaluation of intermediate identification approaches and their mechanistic significance in the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.
2 Systematic analysis of single-crystal surface modification strategies that bridge fundamental models and nano-catalyst studies.
3 Current challenges and future directions for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst design and precise in situ intermediate characterization.

Keywords

Hydrogen evolution reaction Reaction intermediate Single-crystal electrocatalysis Nano-electrocatalyst In situ characterization
Zhang, Zhen, Xing Chen, Jian‑Hui Shi, Zhi‑Feng He, Daniel Cheung, Gen Huang, Xiaobin Zhong, and Jin‑Chao Dong. 2026. “In Situ Probing of Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Intermediates: From Single-Crystal Models to Nano-Catalysts”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (July):426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02286-6.
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