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Electrochemical Energy Reviews ›› 2025, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (3): 18-.doi: 10.1007/s41918-025-00252-1

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Stimulating Efficiency for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Splitting Electrolyzers: From Material Design to Electrode Engineering

Yu Zhu1, Fei Guo2, ShunQiang Zhang1, Zichen Wang1, Runzhe Chen3, Guanjie He2, Xueliang Sun1,4, Niancai Cheng1   

  1. 1. Institute of New Energy Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China;
    2. Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK;
    3. College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China;
    4. Ningbo Key Laboratory of All-Solid-State Battery, Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo 315200, Zhejiang, China
  • 收稿日期:2025-03-01 修回日期:2025-04-08 出版日期:2025-09-20 发布日期:2025-11-12
  • 通讯作者: Guanjie He Email:E-mail:g.he@ucl.ac.uk;Niancai Cheng Email:E-mail:niancaicheng@fzu.edu.cn E-mail:g.he@ucl.ac.uk;niancaicheng@fzu.edu.cn
  • 基金资助:
    Y.Z. and F.G. contributed equally to this work. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21875039), the Pilot Group Program of the Research Fund for International Senior Scientists (22250710676), the Central Government Guides Local Funds for Scientific and Technological Development (2021Szvup084), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC, EP/V027433/3), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding (101077226; EP/Y008707/1), and EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science (EP/L015862/1).

Stimulating Efficiency for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Splitting Electrolyzers: From Material Design to Electrode Engineering

Yu Zhu1, Fei Guo2, ShunQiang Zhang1, Zichen Wang1, Runzhe Chen3, Guanjie He2, Xueliang Sun1,4, Niancai Cheng1   

  1. 1. Institute of New Energy Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China;
    2. Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK;
    3. College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China;
    4. Ningbo Key Laboratory of All-Solid-State Battery, Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo 315200, Zhejiang, China
  • Received:2025-03-01 Revised:2025-04-08 Online:2025-09-20 Published:2025-11-12
  • Contact: Guanjie He Email:E-mail:g.he@ucl.ac.uk;Niancai Cheng Email:E-mail:niancaicheng@fzu.edu.cn E-mail:g.he@ucl.ac.uk;niancaicheng@fzu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Y.Z. and F.G. contributed equally to this work. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21875039), the Pilot Group Program of the Research Fund for International Senior Scientists (22250710676), the Central Government Guides Local Funds for Scientific and Technological Development (2021Szvup084), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC, EP/V027433/3), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding (101077226; EP/Y008707/1), and EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science (EP/L015862/1).

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摘要： Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are a promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production, yet their industrial deployment is hindered by the harsh acidic conditions and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in iridium-based electrocatalysts (IBEs), emphasizing novel optimization strategies to enhance both catalytic activity and durability. Specifically, we critically examine the mechanistic insights into OER under acidic conditions, revealing key degradation pathways of Ir species. We further highlight innovative approaches for IBE design, including (i) morphology and support engineering to improve stability, (ii) structure and phase modulation to enhance catalytic efficiency, and (iii) electronic structure tuning for optimizing interactions with reaction intermediates. Additionally, we assess emerging electrode engineering strategies and explore the potential of non-precious metal-based alternatives. Finally, we propose future research directions, focusing on rational catalyst design, mechanistic clarity, and scalable fabrication for industrial applications. By integrating these insights, this review provides a strategic framework for advancing PEMWE technology through highly efficient and durable OER catalysts.In order to realize the efficient application of the industrial PEMWEs, material design strategies for stimulating the activity and stability capability of OER electrocatalysts are summarized, including (i) morphology/support effects, (ii) structure/phase engineering, (iii) electronic configuration/interaction. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism is deeply clarified, and electrode engineering and challenges of IBEs in practical PEMWE application are focused.

关键词: Iridium-based electrocatalysts, Oxygen evolution reaction, Activity and stability, Water electrolysis, Hydrogen energy

Abstract: Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are a promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production, yet their industrial deployment is hindered by the harsh acidic conditions and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in iridium-based electrocatalysts (IBEs), emphasizing novel optimization strategies to enhance both catalytic activity and durability. Specifically, we critically examine the mechanistic insights into OER under acidic conditions, revealing key degradation pathways of Ir species. We further highlight innovative approaches for IBE design, including (i) morphology and support engineering to improve stability, (ii) structure and phase modulation to enhance catalytic efficiency, and (iii) electronic structure tuning for optimizing interactions with reaction intermediates. Additionally, we assess emerging electrode engineering strategies and explore the potential of non-precious metal-based alternatives. Finally, we propose future research directions, focusing on rational catalyst design, mechanistic clarity, and scalable fabrication for industrial applications. By integrating these insights, this review provides a strategic framework for advancing PEMWE technology through highly efficient and durable OER catalysts.In order to realize the efficient application of the industrial PEMWEs, material design strategies for stimulating the activity and stability capability of OER electrocatalysts are summarized, including (i) morphology/support effects, (ii) structure/phase engineering, (iii) electronic configuration/interaction. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism is deeply clarified, and electrode engineering and challenges of IBEs in practical PEMWE application are focused.

Key words: Iridium-based electrocatalysts, Oxygen evolution reaction, Activity and stability, Water electrolysis, Hydrogen energy

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