Work

Reduced Graphene Oxide-Coated Iridium Oxide as a Catalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Producing hydrogen by water electrolysis has attracted significant attention as a potential renewable energy solution. In this work, a catalyst with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) loaded on IrO2/TiO2 (called rGO/IrO2/TiO2) was designed for the catalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The catalyst was synthesized by coating graphene oxide onto a pretreated IrO2/TiO2 precursor, followed by thermal treatment at 450 °C to achieve reduction and the adhesion of graphene to the substrate. The graphene support retained its intact sp2 carbon framework with minor oxygen-containing functional groups, which enhanced electrical conductivity and hydrophilicity. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of an rGO, IrO2, and TiO2 matrix, the rGO/IrO2/TiO2 catalyst only needed overpotentials of 240 mV and 320 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2 in the OER, along with excellent stability over 50 h. Its morphology and crystalline structure were characterized by SEM and XRD spectroscopy, and its electrochemical performance was tested by LSV analysis, EIS impedance spectrum, and double-layer capacitance (Cdl) measurements. This work introduces an innovative and eco-friendly strategy for constructing a high-performance, functionalized Ir-based catalyst.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules30092069

Authors: Shengyin Luo, Ziqing Zuo, Hongbin Sun

Institution: Northeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258