The influence of the support nanoparticles’ composition in the activity of iridium nanoparticles towards oxygen evolution reaction

Анотація

In water electrolyzer systems, the positive electrode is one of the most important components, where the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occurs. In this process, the water molecules are split into oxygen ions, protons, and electrons, and the oxygen gas is produced on the anode surface [1]. The state-of-the-art materials that catalyze OER are ruthenium, iridium, and their oxides, but their cost and scarcity require reduction and enhancement of their utilization [2]. One morphological approach consists of the dispersion of the active nanoparticles in support nanoparticles to increase their mass activity. However, due to the high potential reached during operating conditions for water splitting, support materials have to possess a high corrosion resistance. Titanium oxides are good candidates because of their high thermal and chemical stability, low cost, and commercial availability [3].