Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Developing noble-metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer is a key to sustainable and economical hydrogen production. Herein, we rationally design and develop a chromium and neodymium co-doped cobalt oxide (CrNd-Co3O4) electrocatalyst that exhibits high activity and durability in the acidic oxygen evolution reaction condition. Furthermore, an in-situ acid circulation strategy is proposed to tackle the ubiquitous issue of membrane poisoning by leached cations in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Consequently, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer with CrNd-Co3O4 anode achieves a stable operating current density of 2 amperes per square centimeter at 2.27 volts and 4 amperes per square centimeter at 2.54 volts for 1,000 hours. Developing noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for acidic water electrolysis is vital for hydrogen production. The authors design a Cr and Nd co-doped Co3O4 anode catalyst with enhanced activity and durability and introduce an in-situ acid circulation strategy to mitigate membrane poisoning.
Source: Nature Communications
Institutions: Nanyang Technological University, Xiamen University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Southwest Jiaotong University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Zhejiang A & F University, City University of Hong Kong, Dalian University of Technology
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W7154176619