Deactivation mechanism for water splitting: Recent advances
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) has been regarded as a promising alternative to fossil-fuel energy. Green H2 produced via water electrolysis (WE) powered by renewable energy could achieve a zero-carbon footprint. Considerable attention has been focused on developing highly active catalysts to facilitate the reaction kinetics and improve the energy efficiency of WE. However, the stability of the electrocatalysts hampers the commercial viability of WE. Few studies have elucidated the origin of catalyst degradation. In this review, we first discuss the WE mechanism, including anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Then, we provide strategies used to enhance the stability of electrocatalysts. After that, the deactivation mechanisms of the typical commercialized HER and OER catalysts, including Pt, Ni, RuO2, and IrO2, are summarized. Finally, the influence of fluctuating energy on catalyst degradation is highlighted and in situ characterization methodologies for understanding the dynamic deactivation processes are described. The stability of electrocatalysts has a significant influence on energy efficiency and productivity for industrial green hydrogen production. This review highlights recent research advances regarding the deactivation mechanism in water electrolysis and related in situ/operando techniques for dynamic mechanism studies. image
Keywords
deactivation mechanism, hydrogen evolution, in situ characterization, oxygen evolution, water splitting
Divisions
mechanical
Funders
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (DH-2022ZY0010),Science Foundation of Donghai Laboratory (5108-202218280A-2-439-XG),R&D Project of State Grid Corporation of China
Publication Title
Carbon Energy
Volume
6
Issue
7
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher Location
111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA