Innovating support and interface for low-iridium catalysts in practical PEM electrolyzers

Decreasing noble-metal loading in membrane electrode assemblies is considered the bottleneck for proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). Supported Ir-based electrocatalysts have recently attracted great research interest, but there is still a lack of suitable supports in strong acid and oxidizing environments. Reporting in Nature Communiations, Zou and co-workers reveal a novel strategy for achieving low Ir loading, high activity, and excellent durability for IrO2@TaB2 anodes in practical PEMWEs and reaching the US Department of Energy 2023 target.