Zhu Yu, Guo Fei, Zhang ShunQiang, Wang Zichen, Chen Runzhe, He Guanjie, Sun Xueliang, Cheng Niancai
Institute of New Energy Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108 Fujian China.
Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ UK.
Electrochem Energ Rev. 2025;8(1):18. doi: 10.1007/s41918-025-00252-1. Epub 2025 Sep 5.
Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are a promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production, yet their industrial deployment is hindered by the harsh acidic conditions and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in iridium-based electrocatalysts (IBEs), emphasizing novel optimization strategies to enhance both catalytic activity and durability. Specifically, we critically examine the mechanistic insights into OER under acidic conditions, revealing key degradation pathways of Ir species. We further highlight innovative approaches for IBE design, including (i) morphology and support engineering to improve stability, (ii) structure and phase modulation to enhance catalytic efficiency, and (iii) electronic structure tuning for optimizing interactions with reaction intermediates. Additionally, we assess emerging electrode engineering strategies and explore the potential of non-precious metal-based alternatives. Finally, we propose future research directions, focusing on rational catalyst design, mechanistic clarity, and scalable fabrication for industrial applications. By integrating these insights, this review provides a strategic framework for advancing PEMWE technology through highly efficient and durable OER catalysts.
In order to realize the efficient application of the industrial PEMWEs, material design strategies for stimulating the activity and stability capability of OER electrocatalysts are summarized, including (i) morphology/support effects, (ii) structure/phase engineering, (iii) electronic configuration/interaction. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism is deeply clarified, and electrode engineering and challenges of IBEs in practical PEMWE application are focused.
质子交换膜水电解槽（PEMWE）是一种用于大规模制氢的有前景的技术，但其工业应用受到苛刻的酸性条件和缓慢的析氧反应（OER）动力学的阻碍。本综述全面分析了基于铱的电催化剂（IBE）的最新进展，强调了提高催化活性和耐久性的新型优化策略。具体而言，我们批判性地研究了酸性条件下OER的机理见解，揭示了铱物种的关键降解途径。我们进一步强调了IBE设计的创新方法，包括（i）形态和载体工程以提高稳定性，（ii）结构和相调制以提高催化效率，以及（iii）电子结构调整以优化与反应中间体的相互作用。此外，我们评估了新兴的电极工程策略，并探索了非贵金属基替代方案的潜力。最后，我们提出了未来的研究方向，重点是合理的催化剂设计、机理明晰以及用于工业应用的可扩展制造。通过整合这些见解，本综述提供了一个战略框架，以通过高效耐用的OER催化剂推动PEMWE技术发展。
为了实现工业PEMWE的高效应用，总结了刺激OER电催化剂活性和稳定性能力的材料设计策略，包括（i）形态/载体效应，（ii）结构/相工程，（iii）电子构型/相互作用。此外，深入阐明了反应机理，并重点关注了IBE在实际PEMWE应用中的电极工程和挑战。
