Advancements in Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Review of Catalysts in Acidic Media

Abstract

Facing the increasingly severe challenges of energy and environment, green hydrogen production technology has attracted widespread attention. The efficient catalysis of the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has always been a technological bottleneck that needs to be overcome. This article reviews the latest research progress in this field in recent years. Firstly, the article analyzes the two classic OER reaction mechanisms, adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM), finds that the latter may have a lower reaction energy barrier but is less stable. This provides a theoretical basis for designing catalysts with both high activity and stability. Subsequently, the article reviews recent advancements in noble, non-noble metals, and carbides catalysts, highlighting that optimizing composition and electronic structures is crucial for enhancing catalytic performance. The article also illustrates the implementation pathways of these strategies with specific examples. These innovative designs not only significantly enhance catalytic performance but also greatly improve stability, injecting new momentum into the commercial application of green hydrogen production. In summary, this article comprehensively discusses the innovative pathways of acidic OER catalysts from mechanism exploration to case analysis, and will undoubtedly provide an important reference for further breakthroughs in this field.