Durable Catalysts Research Articles

Hierarchically Structured Catalysts Toward Sustainable Hydrogen Economy: Electro- and Thermo-Chemical Pathways.

Hydrogen, as an important clean energy source, plays a more and more crucial role in decarbonizing the planet and meeting the global climate challenge due to its high energy density and zero-emission. The demand for sustainable hydrogen is increasing drastically worldwide as driven by the global shift towards low-carbon energy solutions. Thermochemical catalysis process dominates hydrogen production at scale given its relatively mature technology and commercialization status, as well as the established manufacturing infrastructure. While due to its environmentally friendly nature and growing abundant sources of renewable electricity, the electrochemical path for hydrogen production is rising as a major alternative to the thermochemical means. Nevertheless, hierarchically structured catalysts and devices have gradually taken the center stage toward replacing the traditional counterparts, especially with the rapid advancement of the design and manufacture of such ordered nanostructure assemblies toward high activity, efficient mass transport, and superb stability. In this review, the latest progress of the hierarchically structured catalysts for hydrogen production have been surveyed on electro- and thermo- chemical pathways comparatively. It covers the structure designs of atomic dispersion, nanoscale surfaces and interfaces for achieving highly active and durable catalysts, components, and devices. Both electrochemical and thermochemical approaches are reviewed in terms of the vast design details, engineered benefits, and understandings of various Pt-group metal (PGM) and non-PGM based transition metal catalysts for hydrogen production. As the growing trend, brief discussions are also presented toward the high-level assembly and manufacture of complexly structured components and devices at scale in the electrochemical and thermochemical energy systems.

Consolidating the Oxygen Reduction with Sub-Polarized Graphitic Fe-N4 Atomic Sites for an Efficient Flexible Zinc-Air Battery.

The effectuation of the Zn-air battery (ZAB) is appealing for active and durable catalysts to kinetically drive the sluggish cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Atomic metal-Nx-C sites are widely witnessed with Pt-like activity, but their demetalations still severely restrict the durability in ORR. Here we have profiled an ordered hierarchical porous carbon supported Fe-N4 single-atom (FeNC) catalyst by a template derivation method for efficient ORR and flexible ZAB studies. The FeNC structure is observed with a sub-polarized graphitic Fe-N4 coordination with a shortened Fe-N bond for potentially consolidating the ORR, together with the hierarchical porous matrix for kinetical mass transfer. Resultantly, the optimized FeNC catalyst showcases Pt-beyond alkaline ORR activity (E1/2 = 0.95 V) with long-term durability for 100 h, delivering the flexible ZAB device with high power density (251 mW cm-2) and durable cycle life (80 h). This research underscores the criterion in rationalizing active and robust ORR catalysts through metal-nitrogen bond modulation.

Oxygen Vacancy Sites Enable Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation of Nitric Oxide: The Role of W/Mo Valence Transition in Bi2W(Mo)O6‐x

AbstractOxygen vacancy (Ov) sites play a critical role in the activation and deep oxidation of nitric oxide (NO). However, controlling the concentration and type of Ov remains a significant challenge. In this study, Bi2W(Mo)O6‐x is investigated as a model system and demonstrates that increasing the concentration of Ov substantially enhances the efficiency of air NO removal. Increasing the Ov concentrations in Bi2WO6‐x and Bi2MoO6‐x improves NO removal efficiency ≈12‐ and 11‐fold, respectively, compared to their low‐Ov counterparts. This enhancement is attributed to improved adsorption and activation of NO/O2 molecules, better separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers, and increased visible light absorption. Notably, Bi2WO6‐x remains highly stable over ten recycling tests for continuous air NO deep photooxidation, while Bi2MoO6‐x shows a 43.5% decrease in efficiency after ten runs. This sustained performance is attributed to stable Ovs without changes in metal ion valence, unlike Bi2MoO6‐x, where instability arises from the reduction of Mo6+ to Mo4+. In situ DRIFTS reveals possible pathways for the deep photooxidation of NO to nitrate (NO3−). This study provides valuable insights into designing high‐performance, durable catalysts by effectively controlling Ov concentration and type, paving the way for efficient photocatalytic air purification technologies.

Roles of Divinylbenzene Co‐Cross‐Linker in a Threefold Cross‐Linked Polystyrene–Phosphine Hybrid Monolith: Impact of Cross‐linking Degree on Catalytic Performance

AbstractContinuous‐flow organic transformations using immobilized catalysts are crucial for green and sustainable chemistry. Cross‐linked polymer ligands offer high stability, ease of recovery through filtration, and thus enhance performance in continuous‐flow reactions via transition‐metal catalysis. Additionally, the cross‐linking structure of the polymer support creates a unique reaction platform that controls the coordination behavior of the supported ligands and stabilizes the metal catalysts. However, insights into the material‐based design for preparing highly active and durable immobilized metal catalysts are still limited. In this report, we propose a straightforward approach to boost both selective mono‐coordination and effective stabilization of metal complexes. We developed threefold cross‐linked polystyrene‐triphenylphosphine hybrid monoliths with cross‐linking structures adjusted by varying the content of divinylbenzene as co‐cross‐linker. The coordination behaviors and metal‐support interactions of these monoliths were evaluated, highlighting the importance of co‐cross‐linker content in site‐isolating phosphine units and stabilizing metal centers via arene‐metal interactions on the polystyrene network. By optimizing the cross‐linking structure, the monolith catalysts demonstrated exceptionally high catalytic activity and durability in Pd‐catalyzed C−Cl transformations, such as Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐couplings and Buchwald‐Hartwig aminations in continuous flow. This underscores the utility of our monolith system in challenging transition‐metal catalysis.

Recent Advances in Immobilizing and Benchmarking Molecular Catalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis.

Transition metal complexes have been widely used as catalysts or chromophores in artificial photosynthesis. Traditionally, they are employed in homogeneous settings. Despite their functional versatility and structural tunability, broad industrial applications of these catalysts are impeded by the limitations of homogeneous catalysis such as poor catalyst recyclability, solvent constraints (mostly organic solvents), and catalyst durability. Over the past few decades, researchers have developed various methods for molecular catalyst heterogenization to overcome these limitations. In this review, we summarize recent developments in heterogenization strategies, with a focus on describing methods employed in the heterogenization process and their effects on catalytic performances. Alongside the in-depth discussion of heterogenization strategies, this review aims to provide a concise overview of the key metrics associated with heterogenized systems. We hope this review will aid researchers who are new to this research field in gaining a better understanding.

The key role of the second material's OER activity on MOR durability enhancement of the Pt alloys

Pt-based precious metal catalysts are generally regarded as the best catalyst materials for direct methanol fuel cells due to their high inherent methanol oxidation (MOR) activity. However, the commercial application of Pt catalyst is still facing with severe durability problem. The CO formed by the incomplete oxidation of methanol will occupy the Pt active site, hindering the further progress of the MOR reaction and causing the rapid attenuation of the activity. In this work, a MOR durability enhancement strategy that relation to the OER performance of the second materials M (M=Ni, Co, Fe and Cu) is reported. The precise electrochemical test results showed that the MOR durability of Pt-M alloy changes with the second material, which is related to the OER activity of M materials. The smaller the overpotential and tafel slopes of the M material, the better the MOR durability. Via M material screening, the Co element with the lowest OER overpotential among M promoted the Pt-Co alloy material with the highest MOR durability, resulting an excellent durability sustain 7000 times CV cycles with just 0.53 A mg−1Pt mass activity loss. According to the current generally accepted OER and MOR reaction mechanism, the association of MOR durability with OER activity is most likely derived from the same reaction step of M-OH formation, which played a key role on both reaction. This relationship between OER overpotential and MOR durability helps to screen the second material from the perspective of OER activity to improve the MOR durability of Pt catalysts, which is of great significance for the development of Pt-based CO-resistant MOR catalysts.

Modulating the Local Coordination Environment of M‐Nx Single‐Atom Site for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction

AbstractEfficient, durable, and economical oxygen reduction catalysts are key for practical applications such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Single atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted sustained and widespread attention owing to their unique electronic properties and exceptional atomic utilization, positioning them as promising electrocatalysts in energy conversion and storage. However, the symmetric charge distribution of the metal site in the symmetric M‐N4 configuration of SACs is not conducive to electron transfer and transport in electrocatalytic reactions, resulting in a low adsorption energy for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) related species (*OH, *O, and *OOH), which severely limits the intrinsic activity of the electrocatalysts. To overcome this limitation and improve the activity and durability, heteroatom doping can effectively modulate the local coordination environment (LCE) of the metal atom, including the coordinating atoms, coordination shells and coordination number. These modifications have significantly improved the performance of carbon supported SACs with M‐N4 configuration in the ORR. Based on this, a thorough summary of the major progress made in recent years in adjusting the LCE of SACs through doping with heteroatoms is provided and a perspective on the future development is offered here.

Designing Sustainable Copper‐Based Hybrid Framework Catalysts for One‐Pot Multicomponent Organic Reactions

AbstractThe recent breakthroughs in heterogeneous catalysis emphasize the need for novel materials capable of driving organic transformations. The present study explores two copper phosphonate hybrid framework materials, 2D Cu3[(Hhedp)2(C4H4N2)].2H2O (Cu(II)Pyz‐P) and 3D Cu3[(H3hedp)2(C4H4N2)4(SO4)].2H2O (Cu(I/II)Pyz‐P), as single crystals isolated via hydrothermal synthetic strategy using H4hedp (1‐hydroxyethane 1,1‐diphosphonic acid) and N‐donor secondary ligand (Pyrazine; C4H4N2). Cu(II)Pyz‐P contains exclusively +2 oxidation state of copper, while Cu(I/II)Pyz‐P is characterized by a mixed oxidation state, where copper +2 phosphonate is embedded within the network formed by copper +1 state. Moreover, magnetic study elucidates the distinct oxidation states of both compounds by showing deviations from each other. The aforementioned compounds are exceedingly effective for catalyzing multicomponent reactions, that is, A3 coupling reaction and click reaction. Cu(I/II)Pyz‐P ensures the regioselective synthesis of triazole with high purity, while A3 coupling reaction is facilitated by both the compounds. Solvent‐ and additive‐free efficient multicomponent reactions are explored for the first time in the copper phosphonate hybrid framework structures. The present study reveals the promise of copper‐based hybrid phosphonate frameworks as durable and efficient catalysts for organic synthesis, providing cost‐effective and sustainable ways for advanced catalytic transformations.

Confined pyrolysis synthesis of N-doped carbon-supported FePr nanoparticles for efficient oxygen reduction based on 3d–4f orbital coupling

To meet the growing demand for new energy storage and conversion technologies, there is an urgent need to prepare highly efficient, economical and durable oxygen reduction catalysts that can replace those based on precious. Herein, N-doped porous carbon supported FePr nanoparticles (FePr/NC) were prepared by confined adsorption and pyrolysis. The characterizations and electrocatalytic properties of the FePr/NC were investigated in details. The prepared FePr/NC catalyst showed excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance with a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.87 V in a 0.1 M KOH solution, outperforming commercial Pt/C catalyst (E1/2 = 0.82 V) under the identical conditions. Besides, its onset potential (Eonset) was up to 1.002 V, exceeding the Pt/C (Eonset = 0.92 V). Moreover, the E1/2 only exhibited a negative shift of 7 mV after 2000 cycles, reflecting its significant stability. To understand their exceptional preference for the ORR, the electronic structure of Fe influenced by the doped Pr and the synergistic effect of the FePr nanoparticles with N-doped carbon were investigated. The coupling of Fe's 3d orbitals with Pr's 4 f orbitals in the FePr significantly enhanced the electrocatalytic activity. This work provides a promising strategy for preparation of high-quality transition metal-based carbon catalysts for green energy devices.

Double-Shell Confinement Strategy Enhancing Durability of PtFeTi Intermetallic Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Double-Shell Confinement Strategy Enhancing Durability of PtFeTi Intermetallic Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Electronic Modulation and Symmetry-Breaking Engineering of Single-Atom Catalysts Driving Long-Cycling Li-S Battery.

Developing efficient and durable single-atom catalysts is vitally important for the sulfur redox reaction (SROR) in Li-S battery, while it remains enormous challenging. Herein, undercoordinated Ni-N3 moieties anchored on N,S-codoped porous carbon (Ni-NSC) is obtained to enhance the SROR. The experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that the symmetry-breaking charge transfer in Ni single-atom catalyst originates from tuning effect of sulfur atoms mediated Ni-N3 moieties, which can both facilitate the chemical adsorption by formation of N-Ni⋯Sn2-, and achieve a rapid redox conversion of polysulfides because of the enhanced electron transfer. As results, the Ni-NSC based Li-S battery delivers a very high initial reversible capacity (1025 mAh g-1 at 1 C), as well as outstanding cycling-stability for 2400 cycles at 2 C and 3 C, respectively. Noteworthy, the areal capacity can reach 7.8 mAh cm-2 at 0.05 C and a retention capacity of 4.7 mAh cm-2 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C for Ni-NSC based Li-S battery with sulfur loading of 5.88 mg cm-2. This work provides profound insight for rational optimizing microscopic electronic density of active site to promoting SROR in metal-sulfur batteries.

Durable fluorinated cobalt oxyhydroxide/calcium alginate hydrogels for activating peroxymonosulfate to enable nearly 100% degradation of ciprofloxacin.

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by solid catalysts for ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal is a promising method for decontaminating wastewater. However, mainstream catalysts suffer from efficiency and durability issues due to mechanical fragility and structural instability. Here, we have developed a durable calcium alginate hydrogel encapsulating fluorinated cobalt oxyhydroxide (FCO/CAH), fabricated by a simple hydrogen-bond-assisted cross-linking reaction, to enhance PMS activation for complete CIP removal. The optimized 2-FCO/CAH could generate abundant singlet oxygen (1O2) and sulfate radicals (SO4˙-) with PMS, resulting in 0.433 min-1 kinetic constant and approximately 100% CIP degradation within 10 minutes. This exceptional degradation efficiency is due to the even distribution of 2-FCO, which maximizes catalytic sites for PMS activation, and the multichannel cavity structure of CAH, which effectively enriches both PMS and CIP. Furthermore, the durability of 2-FCO/CAH was proved by its negligible decay in CIP removal efficiency (∼100%) and good microstructure retention after 6 consecutive cycles, facilitated by a stable surface reconstructed interphase on the 2-FCO surface and the strong mechanical property of 2-FCO/CAH. Our work showcases a facile approach to constructing durable hydrogel catalysts that improve PMS-mediated antibiotic degradation.

Selective and durable H2O2 electrosynthesis catalyst in acid by selenization induced straining and phasing

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for acidic electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) holds considerable significance, while the selectivity and stability of most materials are compromised under acidic conditions. Herein, we demonstrate that constructing amorphous platinum–selenium (Pt–Se) shells on crystalline Pt cores can manipulate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) pathway to efficiently catalyze the electrosynthesis of H2O2 in acids. The Se2‒Pt nanoparticles, with optimized shell thickness, exhibit over 95% selectivity for H2O2 production, while suppressing its decomposition. In flow cell reactor, Se2‒Pt nanoparticles maintain current density of 250 mA cm−2 for 400 h, yielding a H2O2 concentration of 113.2 g L−1 with productivity of 4160.3 mmol gcat−1 h−1 for effective organic dye degradation. The constructed amorphous Pt–Se shell leads to desirable O2 adsorption mode for increased selectivity and induces strain for optimized OOH* binding, accelerating the reaction kinetics. This selenization approach is generalizable to other noble metals for tuning 2e‒ ORR pathway.

Scalable synthesis of Robust, high-loading nitrogen-infused intermetallic FePt@Pt (core@shell) catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In this study, we propose PtFeIMN@Pt/C, featuring a Pt shell on a nitrogen-infused PtFe intermetallic core structure, and attempt large-scale synthesis of catalysts with high metal content (>50 wt%). Using the ultrasound-assisted polyol synthesis method, we synthesize core@shell structured PtFe@Pt/C catalysts with approximately 60 wt% metal content at a 10 g scale in a single step. Post-treatments, including annealing, acid treatment, and nitriding in high-pressure NH3 gas, follow to synthesize the target catalysts. Optimizing the annealing temperature reveals a trade-off relationship affecting catalyst activity and durability. The PtFeIMN@Pt/C_600 °C, synthesized under optimized conditions, exhibits superior electrochemical performance and durability compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. The accelerated stability test (AST) further shows significantly enhanced durability when nitrogen is included in the core. In the single cell tests, PtFeIMN@Pt/C_600 °C demonstrates approximately four times higher mass activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts and a 29.9 mV voltage drop at 0.8 A cm−2 after AST, meeting the U.S. Department of Energy's targets.

Enhanced Stability and Selectivity in Pt@MFI Catalysts for n-Butane Dehydrogenation: The Crucial Role of Sn Promoter

The dehydrogenation of n-butane to butenes is a crucial process for producing valuable petrochemical intermediates. This study explores the role of oxyphilic metal promoters (Sn, Zn, and Ga) in enhancing the performance and stability of Pt@MFI catalysts for n-butane dehydrogenation. The presence of Sn in the catalyst inhibits the agglomeration of Pt clusters, maintaining their subnanometric particle size. PtSn@MFI exhibits superior stability and selectivity for butenes while suppressing cracking reactions, with selectivity for C1–C3 products as low as 2.1% at 550 °C compared to over 30.5% for Pt@MFI. Using a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, we examined the structural and electronic properties of the catalysts. Our findings reveal that Zn tends to consume hydroxyl groups and substitute framework sites, and Ga induces more defective sites in the zeolite structure. In contrast, the interaction between SnOx and the zeolite framework does not depend on reactions with hydroxyl groups. The incorporation of Sn significantly prevents Pt particle agglomeration, maintaining smaller Pt particle sizes and reducing coke formation compared to Zn and Ga promoters. Theoretical calculations showed that Sn increases the positive charge on Pt clusters, enhancing their interaction with the zeolite framework and reducing sintering, albeit with a slight increase in the energy barrier for C-H activation. These results underscore the dual benefits of Sn as a promoter, offering enhanced structural stability and reduced coke formation, thus paving the way for the rational design of more effective and durable catalysts for alkane dehydrogenation and other high-value chemical processes.

CoFe2O4 nanoparticle embedded carbon nanofibers: A promising non-noble metal catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

There is a strong demand for noble metal-free durable catalysts to facilitate the advancement of clean, sustainable energy technologies and to replace energy equipment reliant on fossil fuels. In this study, metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticle-embedded electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized. Nanofibers were calcined at three different temperatures to obtain optimum electrocatalytic performance in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Nanofibers annealed at 800 °C (CFO@CNFs 800) displayed a reduced overpotential of 300 mV while maintaining a steady current density of 10 mA cm−2. CFO@CNFs 800 demonstrated Tafel slope 42 mV dec−1 with excellent long-term stability up to 48 h. The synergistic effect of the redox activity of CFO coupled with the high surface area and conductivity of carbon nanofibers is responsible for enhanced OER performance.

Bi-metallic electrochemical deposition on 3D pyrolytic carbon architectures for potential application in hydrogen evolution reaction

ABSTRACT 3D printing has emerged as a highly efficient process for fabricating electrodes in hydrogen evolution through water splitting, whereas metals are the most popular choice of materials in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) due to their catalytic activity. However, current 3D printing solutions face challenges, including high cost, low surface area, and sub-optimal performance. In this work, we introduce metal-deposited 3D printed pyrolytic carbon (PyC) as a facile and cost-effective HER electrode. We adopt an integrated approach of resin 3D printing, pyrolysis, and electrochemical metal deposition. 3D printing of a resin and its subsequent pyrolysis led to 3D complex architectures of the conductive substrate, facilitating the electrochemical metal deposition and leading to layered 3D metal architecture. Both monolayers of metals (such as copper and nickel) and bi-metallic 3D PyC structures are demonstrated. Each metal layer thickness ranges from 6 to10 µm. The metal coatings, particularly the bi-metallic configurations, result in achieving significantly higher mechanical properties under compressive loading and improved electrical properties due to the synergistic contributions from each metal counterpart. The metalized PyC structures are further demonstrated for HER catalysts, contributing to the development of highly efficient and durable catalyst systems for hydrogen production. Among the materials studied here, Ni@Cu bimetallic 3D PyC electrodes are particularly well-suited, demonstrating a low HER overpotential value of 264 mV (100 mA/cm2, KOH (1 M)) with corresponding Tafel slopes of 107 mV/dec, with exceptional stability during a 10 h operation at a high applied current of −50 mA/cm2.

Engineering Lattice Oxygen Regeneration of NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide Enhances Oxygen Evolution Catalysis Durability.

The lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) endows NiFe layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) with superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, yet the frequent evolution and sluggish regeneration of lattice oxygen intensify the dissolution of active species. Herein, we overcome this challenge by constructing the NiFe hydroxide/Ni4Mo alloy (NiFe-LDH/Ni4Mo) heterojunction electrocatalyst, featuring the Ni4Mo alloy as the oxygen pump to provide oxygenous intermediates and electrons for NiFe-LDH. The released lattice oxygen can be timely offset by the oxygenous species during the LOM process, balancing the regeneration of lattice oxygen and assuring the enhancement of the durability. In consequence, the durability of NiFe-LDH is significantly enhanced after the modification of Ni4Mo with an impressively durability for over 60 h, much longer than that of NiFe-LDH counterpart with only 10 h. In-situ spectra and first-principle simulations reveal that the adsorption of OH- is significantly strengthened owing to the introduction of Ni4Mo, ensuring the rapid regeneration of lattice oxygen. Moreover, NiFe-LDH/Ni4Mo-based anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) presents an impressive durability for over 150 h at 100 mA cm-2. The oxygen pump strategy opens opportunities to balance the evolution and regeneration of lattice oxygen, enhancing the durability of efficient OER catalysts.

Engineering Lattice Oxygen Regeneration of NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide Enhances Oxygen Evolution Catalysis Durability

The lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) endows NiFe layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) with superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, yet the frequent evolution and sluggish regeneration of lattice oxygen intensify the dissolution of active species. Herein, we overcome this challenge by constructing the NiFe hydroxide/Ni4Mo alloy (NiFe‐LDH/Ni4Mo) heterojunction electrocatalyst, featuring the Ni4Mo alloy as the oxygen pump to provide oxygenous intermediates and electrons for NiFe‐LDH. The released lattice oxygen can be timely offset by the oxygenous species during the LOM process, balancing the regeneration of lattice oxygen and assuring the enhancement of the durability. In consequence, the durability of NiFe‐LDH is significantly enhanced after the modification of Ni4Mo with an impressively durability for over 60 h, much longer than that of NiFe‐LDH counterpart with only 10 h. In‐situ spectra and first‐principle simulations reveal that the adsorption of OH− is significantly strengthened owing to the introduction of Ni4Mo, ensuring the rapid regeneration of lattice oxygen. Moreover, NiFe‐LDH/Ni4Mo‐based anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) presents an impressive durability for over 150 h at 100 mA cm−2. The oxygen pump strategy opens opportunities to balance the evolution and regeneration of lattice oxygen, enhancing the durability of efficient OER catalysts.

Tailored IrO2@ZIF-67 nanocomposites for efficient oxygen evolution reaction: Insights into catalyst design and performance enhancement

The pursuit of effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for advancing sustainable energy technologies. Efficient OER catalysts play a vital role in the development of water splitting systems, which are fundamental for producing hydrogen—a clean and renewable energy source. The synthesis of IrO2 nanoparticles embedded in ZIF-67 nanostructures has been explored to improve the performance of OER electrocatalysts. The resulting IrO2@ZIF-67 composite catalyst demonstrates a remarkable overpotential of 220 mV and 290 mV at current densities of 10 and 50 mA cm⁻2, alongside a low Tafel slope of 58 mV dec⁻1, significantly outperforming the pristine ZIF-67 catalyst. Integrating IrO2 nanoparticles into the ZIF-67 matrix significantly enhances both the catalytic activity and durability of the material. Extensive electrochemical testing reveals that the IrO2@ZIF-67 catalyst maintains exceptional stability, operating consistently for over 50 h at a current density of 50 mA cm⁻2 without significant degradation. This enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects between the highly active IrO2 nanoparticles and the robust ZIF-67 framework, which collectively facilitate efficient charge transfer and improve structural integrity during prolonged OER operation. These findings highlight the potential of IrO2@ZIF-67 nanostructures as a promising electrocatalyst for sustainable water splitting applications, providing a pathway towards the development of more efficient and durable OER catalysts.