Unlocking the Potential of Strontium Iridate for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: From Fundamental Insights to Advanced Electrocatalyst Design

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a major bottleneck in water splitting due to its sluggish kinetics, particularly under acidic conditions where catalyst stability is also a critical challenge. Strontium iridate (SrIrO3), a member of the perovskite oxide family, has recently emerged as a uniquely effective catalyst for OER, distinguished by its robust structural integrity, tunable electronic structure, and superior intrinsic activity in both acidic and alkaline environments. Unlike conventional Ir- or Ru-based catalysts, SrIrO3 offers a stable perovskite-derived framework that enables dynamic surface reconstruction, high oxidation-state accessibility, and enhanced oxygen exchange kinetics during operation. Despite growing interest, the catalytic potential of SrIrO3 has not yet been systematically reviewed in the context of water oxidation. This review addresses that gap by providing a comprehensive assessment of structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of SrIrO3, its distinctive role in promoting OER, and its integration into advanced catalyst designs. By highlighting the unique functionalities and emerging strategies associated with SrIrO3, this review serves as a critical resource for the rational development of next-generation OER catalysts in the field of sustainable electrocatalysis.