Electrocatalytic acidic oxygen evolution: From catalyst design to industrial applications

Compared with the dominant alkaline water electrolysis technology, the proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) technology could achieve low ohmic resistance, fast charge/ion transfer, and high current density operation, which is attracting widespread attention. However, the harsh acidic environment prevailing in PEMWE adversely affects the stability of oxygen evolution electrocatalysts, leading to their degradation during long-term operation. In this perspective, the deactivation mechanisms of acidic oxygen evolution electrocatalysts are discussed. In addition, the current design principles of acidic oxygen evolution catalysts and their application prospects in PEMWE are analyzed. Finally, we summarize the challenges and major bottlenecks of acidic oxygen evolution electrocatalysts in practical industrial applications and propose some prospective solutions and development routes.