Carbon-Based Composites as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for hydrogen production via water electrolysis.
• Current metal electrocatalysts are expensive and face stability challenges in alkaline media.
• Low-temperature water electrolyzers, including alkaline exchange membrane (AEM) types, require efficient and affordable OER catalysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in carbon-based composite electrocatalysts for OER.
• To highlight their potential as cost-effective and stable alternatives to metal catalysts.
• To discuss their application in low-temperature water electrolysis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on carbon-based composite electrocatalysts for OER.
• Analysis of synthesis protocols and catalytic performance of various composites.
• Discussion of the role of carbon-metal interfaces and synergistic effects.

Main Results:

• Carbon-based composites, particularly those with metal hydroxides, oxides, chalcogenides, nitrides, and phosphides, demonstrate significant OER activity and stability.
• Synergistic effects at carbon-metal interfaces enhance catalytic performance.
• Oxidative pretreatment of carbon materials and metal-free carbon catalysts are also explored.

Conclusions:

• Carbon-based composites are promising for low-temperature water electrolysis, offering a pathway to reduce costs.
• Further research into synthesis and interface engineering can optimize their performance for efficient hydrogen production.