Interfacial Structure Modulation Triggering Dual Sites Synergy for Industrial‐Grade Water Electrolysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is recognized as a promising technology for green hydrogen production. The development of high‐performance non‐noble‐metal‐based (NNM) electrocatalysts is crucial for its industrial‐scale deployment. However, in alkaline media, they typically face a critical challenge in simultaneously activating water molecular and optimizing hydrogen species adsorption, resulting in sluggish water dissociation kinetics. Herein, we engineer a NiS/Ni 3 S 2 heterojunction with strong interfacial interaction via a facile cathodic polarization method. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal a synergistic dual‐site mechanism of hydrogen evolution reaction: Ni sites promote H 2 O adsorption through upshifted d‐band center, serving as the primary water dissociation centers; concurrently, S sites optimize the hydrogen binding energy by accepting interfacial charges, facilitating H* adsorption/desorption. This dual‐site mechanism significantly lowers the energy barrier of the Volmer step. Impressively, in AEMWE tests the resultant NiS/Ni 3 S 2 @W requiring only 1.73 and 1.68 V to reach a current density of 1 A cm −2 at 60°C and 80°C, respectively. Furthermore, it can maintain stable operation for over 1 000 h at 1.5 A cm −2 and exhibits robust tolerance under dynamic fluctuating conditions. This work provides a reliable interface engineering strategy for designing efficient electrocatalysts for industrial‐grade water electrolysis.