Balancing the relationship between the activity and stability of anode oxide-based electrocatalysts in acid for PEMWE electrolyzers

Abstract

Fueled by renewable energy, the paradigm of “green hydrogen” production via water electrolysis stands as an imperative pathway toward the evolution of novel energy frameworks. Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) emerges as a pivotal route for sustainable power generation, offering substantial advantages. However, the quest to enhance the efficiency of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) encounters formidable obstacles, prominently centered on attaining a delicate equilibrium between heightened activity and prolonged stability of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. The pursuit of OER electrocatalysts that epitomize efficiency, longevity, and cost-effectiveness under high operating potential and corrosive acidic conditions assumes paramount importance in propelling the frontiers of electrochemical water splitting. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in both noble and non-noble metal oxides utilized for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It underscores the significance of analyzing the instability of catalysts based on the OER mechanism, while delving into effective strategies aimed at bolstering the activity and stability of IrO₂, RuO₂, and transition metal (TM) oxide electrocatalysts. Finally, some insights are provided into the indirect challenges confronting current anode catalysts employed in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzes, along with perspectives on future research avenues and potential directions.