Dos and don’ts in screening water splitting electrocatalysts

Abstract

Examining water splitting electrocatalysts accurately is just as important as developing new and high-performance materials. The recent evolution of materials science and the ability that mankind achieved in controlling and directing the growth of materials at the nanoscale have led to an exponential burst in the number of catalysts being reported every day for all energy conversion reactions including water electrolysis. Unfortunately, as with every evolution, the recent boom in materials science and the recently increased widespread interest in applied electrochemistry among researchers of all scientific backgrounds have led to the accumulation of misinterpreted data in the literature and misguiding beginners. In this perspective, a clear-cut guideline is provided on what and what not to do while characterizing various types of electrocatalysts used in water electrosplitting.