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Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Transition-metal selenides in oxygen evolution electrocatalysis: from pre-catalysts to active regulators
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Changwon National University, 51140 Changwon, Republic of Korea. seunghwa@changwon.ac.kr.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Transition-metal selenides are promising catalysts for green hydrogen production via water electrolysis. Retained selenium species enhance oxygen evolution reaction activity and durability beyond traditional models.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key bottleneck in water electrolysis for green hydrogen production.
- Developing efficient and stable OER catalysts from earth-abundant materials is crucial for scalable hydrogen generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine transition-metal selenides as pre-catalysts for alkaline OER.
- To integrate insights on structural evolution, charge transport, and selenium (Se) state regulation in OER catalysis.
- To highlight how controlled Se transformation and retention impact catalytic performance.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent evidence on the role of selenium in transition-metal selenide OER catalysts.
- Analysis of structural evolution and dynamic reconstruction under anodic conditions.
- Investigation of charge transport mechanisms and Se-state regulation.
Main Results:
- Transition-metal selenides undergo reconstruction during OER, forming active oxyhydroxide-like phases.
- Selenium does not always dissolve; retained Se species (surface, subsurface, interlayer) significantly influence catalytic behavior.
- Retained Se, conductive selenide framework, and reconstruction-induced changes enhance OER activity and durability.
Conclusions:
- The traditional sacrificial-precursor model for selenide OER catalysts is incomplete.
- Controlled transformation and retention of Se species are key design principles for advanced OER electrocatalysts.
- Optimized transition-metal selenides offer a pathway to more efficient and stable green hydrogen production.
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