Electrocatalysis for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Media: Progress and Challenges

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the efficiency-determining half-reaction process of high-demand, electricity-driven water splitting due to its sluggish four-electron transfer reaction. Tremendous effects on developing OER catalysts with high activity and strong acid-tolerance at oxidation potentials have been made for proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEMWE), which one most promising future hydrogen-fuel-generating technologies. This review presents recent progress in understanding mechanisms PEMWE, including adsorbate mechanism (AEM) lattice-oxygen-mediated (LOM). We further summarize latest strategies improve catalytic performance, such as surface/interface modification, site coordination construction, electronic structure regulation centers. Finally, challenges prospective solutions improving performance are proposed.