Electrocatalytic acidic oxygen evolution reaction: From nanocrystals to single atoms

Hydrogen is the most preferred choice as an energy source to replace nonrenewable resources such fossil fuels due its beneficial features of abundance, ecofriendly, and outstanding gravimetric density. Splitting water through a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer well-known method hydrogen production. But major impediment sluggish kinetics oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Currently, scientists are struggling build out acid-stable electrocatalyst for OER with low overpotential excellent stability. In this review, mechanism characterization parameters introduced, then improvement metal nanocatalysts (noble catalysts noble metal-free catalysts) in acidic media discussed. Particularly, application single-atom summarized, which current researching focus. At same time, we also briefly introduced cluster phenomenon, easy occur preparation catalysts. More importantly, summarized situ methods X-ray absorption spectroscopy, photoelectron so forth, conducive further understanding intermediates active sites. Finally, put forward some opinions on development OER.