Rhenium-Based Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting

Due to the contamination and global warming problems, it is necessary search for alternative environmentally friendly energy sources. In this area, hydrogen a promising alternative. Hydrogen even more promising, when obtained through water electrolysis operated with renewable Among possible devices perform electrolysis, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers appear as most commercial systems production in coming years. However, their massification affected by noble metals used electrocatalysts electrodes, high value: Pt at cathode where evolution reaction occurs (HER) Ru/Ir anode oxygen (OER) happens. Therefore, take full advantage of PEM technology green H2 build up mature market, imperative abundant, cheaper, stable catalysts, reaching highest activities lowest overpotential longest stability under harsh acidic conditions PEM. new considering predictions Trasatti volcano plot, rhenium appears be candidate HER media. At same time, recent studies provide evidence its potential an OER catalyst. some these reports have focused on chemical photochemical splitting not always considered This review summarizes rhenium-based conditions: i.e., candidates materials. various sections, we mechanism concepts electrocatalysis, evaluation methods, different materials applied As less common OER, included section about use oxidation electrocatalyst basic conditions. Finally, concluding remarks perspectives are given splitting.