A review on cerium-containing electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Water electrolysis is one of the most feasible ways to utilize clean and renewable energy sources in the form of hydrogen energy. However, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a slow kinetic process, so it is of great significance to develop efficient oxygen evolution catalysts (OECs). Many studies have shown that Ce plays an important role in high-performance transition-metal-based OECs. We discuss and summarize possible causes for the improved OER activity and stability with emphasis on the hybrids of cerium and transition metals, including cerium-doped catalysts, ceria-support catalysts and ceria-loaded catalysts. Finally, current challenges for the Ce-containing catalysts are identified, pointing to the future directions for propelling the water electrolysis research.