A Review of Ni-Based Electrode Materials for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical half-reaction in water splitting and plays a central role in diverse energy conversion technologies, such as metal–air batteries and regenerative fuel cells. However, the sluggish kinetics and substantial overpotential requirements, attributed to the complex multielectron transfer mechanism, present significant challenges. Therefore, developing highly efficient and durable electrocatalysts is vital to reducing energy input and improving system performance. Among various materials, Ni-based catalysts have attracted considerable attention due to their natural abundance, cost-effectiveness, and excellent catalytic activity, particularly in alkaline environments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in Ni-based materials for OER, including Ni-based alloys, phosphides, sulfides, oxides/hydroxides, and single-atom catalysts. Additionally, the application prospects of these catalysts are analyzed from the perspectives of techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA). Special emphasis is placed on synthetic strategies, structure–activity correlations, and performance enhancement approaches, offering insights into future directions for designing next-generation OER catalysts.