Current Trends of Iridium‐Based Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Water Electrolysis

Abstract

The proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) powered by renewable electricity offers a facile route for clean hydrogen production. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode plays a major role in affecting the overall device efficiency due to its sluggish OER kinetics. Thus, it remains a challenge to develop robust and active catalysts for OER in acid media for efficient PEMWE. Currently, iridium (Ir)‐based materials, such as mono‐ and multimetallic Ir, Ir‐based oxides, pyrochlore iridate oxides, and Ir‐based perovskites, are the most promising OER catalysts in acid media for PEMWEs. Extensive research has been conducted to enhance the specific activity of Ir species to make cost‐effective. The present review aims to provide the recent progress on addressing the long‐term durability issue of Ir‐based catalyst for OER in acidic conditions, aspiring to inspire the researchers to design highly efficient and stable Ir‐based catalysts. Moreover, the detailed OER mechanism along with the dissolution nature of Ir species is discussed and summarized. Finally, the status, challenges, and prospects for the development of Ir‐based OER catalysts are discussed.