Hydrogen evolution by the electrolysis of water is an important energy conversion process, especially for some intermittent energy systems. However, its practical applicability is limited by its low energy-conversion efficiency and the need for expensive electrocatalysts. In response, carbon-based nanocomposites have gained substantial interest as promising alternatives to the currently used precious metal catalysts. Among them, carbon dots (CDs) have exhibited many outstanding features, including flexible composition, high conductivity, good dispersion, and strong metal coordination. The past decade has seen remarkable advances in CD-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, where CDs and their derived hybrids have shown impressive performance and indispensable prospects for future hydrogen utilization. However, the widespread use of CD-based electrocatalysts still requires the development of high-quality CDs and advanced synthesis strategies. New assessment techniques are also required to elucidate the unique functions of CDs in composition regulation, structure fabrication, surface modification, and host–guest interactions in electrocatalysts and ultimately to establish the relationships among structure, composition, and activity.

中文翻译：

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碳点增强电催化析氢

水电解析氢是一个重要的能量转换过程，特别是对于一些间歇性能源系统。然而，它的实际应用受到其低能量转换效率和对昂贵电催化剂的需求的限制。作为回应，碳基纳米复合材料作为目前使用的贵金属催化剂的有希望的替代品引起了极大的兴趣。其中，碳点（CDs）表现出许多突出的特点，包括组成灵活、导电性高、分散性好、金属配位性强等。在过去的十年中，基于 CD 的析氢电催化剂取得了显着进展，其中 CD 及其衍生的杂化物表现出令人印象深刻的性能和未来氢利用不可或缺的前景。然而，CD 基电催化剂的广泛使用仍然需要开发高质量的 CD 和先进的合成策略。还需要新的评估技术来阐明 CD 在组成调节、结构制造、表面改性和电催化剂中的主客体相互作用中的独特功能，并最终建立结构、组成和活性之间的关系。