Non-Noble-Metal-Based Electrocatalysts for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Recent Progress, Challenges, and...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is vital for renewable energy technologies like water electrolysis.
• Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis offers high efficiency but is hindered by expensive Ir/Ru catalysts.
• Developing affordable, high-performance OER catalysts is essential for widespread PEM water splitting adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of acidic OER, including AEM, LOM, and OPM.
• To systematically summarize recent advancements in noble-metal-free OER catalysts.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for precious-metal-free acidic OER.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive analysis of acidic OER mechanisms.
• Systematic review of noble-metal-free catalyst research.
• Compilation of in situ/operando characterization techniques.

Main Results:

• Detailed examination of adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM), lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM), and oxide path mechanism (OPM).
• Summary of transition metal-based, carbon-based, and other non-noble metal catalysts for OER.
• Overview of characterization techniques for mechanistic studies.

Conclusions:

• Non-noble metal catalysts are critical for cost-effective PEM water electrolysis.
• Further research into acidic OER mechanisms and catalyst development is needed.
• In situ/operando techniques are key to understanding and advancing OER catalysis.