Open AccessNoble‐Metal‐Free Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts Working at High Current Densities over 1000 mA cm −2 : From Fundamental Understanding to Design Principles
Author(s) -
Zhang Xian,
Jin Mengtian,
Jia Feifei,
Huang Jiaqi,
Amini Abbas,
Song Shaoxian,
Yi Hao,
Cheng Chun
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
energy and environmental materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2575-0356
DOI - 10.1002/eem2.12457
Subject(s) - oxygen evolution , electrolysis , catalysis , water splitting , hydrogen production , electron transfer , electrolysis of water , anode , electrocatalyst , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , materials science , chemistry , electrode , electrochemistry , photochemistry , photocatalysis , biochemistry , engineering , electrolyte
Alkaline water electrolysis provides a promising route for “green hydrogen” generation, where anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in coupling with cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction. To date, the development of highly active and durable OER catalysts based on earth‐abundant elements has drawn wide attention; nevertheless, their performance under high current densities (HCDs ≥1000 mA cm −2 ) has been less emphasized. This situation has seriously impeded large‐scale electrolysis industrialization. In this review, in order to provide a guideline for designing high‐performance OER electrocatalysts, the effects of HCD on catalytic performance involving electron transfer, mass transfer, and physical/chemical stability are summarized. Furthermore, the design principles were pointed out for obtaining efficient and robust OER electrocatalysts in light of recent progress of OER electrocatalysts working above 1000 mA cm −2 . These include the aspects of developing self‐supported catalytic electrodes, enhancing intrinsic activity, enhancing the catalyst–support interaction, engineering surface wettability, and introducing protective layer. Finally, summaries and outlooks in achieving OER at industrially relevant HCDs are proposed.