Zinc-based materials for electrocatalytic reduction reactions: progress and prospects

Abstract

The persistent energy crisis and environmental pollution pose significant challenges for modern society. Developing efficient methods for electrochemical energy conversion presents a promising solution to address these pressing issues. In the past few years, various electrocatalytic reduction reactions such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃⁻RR), and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) have been investigated to create a pollution free green society and environment. Zn-based materials have garnered significant attention as potential candidates in the electrocatalytic reduction reactions owing to their precisely tuned structural and electronic properties, three-dimensional architectures, large surface areas, abundant active sites, high stability, and enhanced mass transport and diffusion capabilities. Numerous studies have been published investigating the potential of Zn-based materials in various electrocatalytic reduction reactions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews systematically exploring the use of Zn-based materials in electrocatalytic reduction reactions. This review explores the structure–property–performance correlations of zinc-based catalysts, emphasizing their role in various electrocatalytic reduction reactions. We discuss the influence of structural modifications, such as doping, alloying, heterostructure formation, and morphological control, on the catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity of these materials. Special focus is given to the electronic structure modulation, active site optimization, and charge transfer mechanisms that underpin their performance. Recent advancements in synthesis techniques and characterization methods are highlighted to illustrate how tailored design strategies enhance catalytic efficiency. By presenting a comprehensive overview of zinc-based catalysts, this review aims to provide insights into their structure–performance relationships and offer guidance for the rational design of next-generation electrocatalysts for sustainable energy and chemical production.