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Tunnel-structured IrOx unlocks catalytic efficiency in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers

Author

Listed:
  • Mingcheng Zhang

    (Jilin University)

  • Wei An

    (Jilin University)

  • Qianqian Liu

    (Jilin University
    Xi’an University of Science and Technology)

  • Yuzhu Jiang

    (Jilin University)

  • Xiao Zhao

    (Jilin University)

  • Hui Chen

    (Jilin University)

  • Yongcun Zou

    (Jilin University)

  • Xiao Liang

    (Jilin University)

  • Xiaoxin Zou

    (Jilin University)

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers face challenges due to high iridium loading and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction kinetics when using conventional rutile-structured iridium oxide nanocatalysts. Here we find that iridium oxide catalysts with a specific tunnel-type crystal structure exhibit highly localized reactivity, where regions at tunnel mouths drive oxygen evolution far more efficiently than tunnel-wall regions. The intrinsic activity of tunnel mouths is 25-fold higher than that of tunnel walls, with shorter nanorods achieving a better balance between active site exposure and electron/mass transport efficiency. When implemented in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers, this engineered catalyst achieves notable performance at low iridium loading (0.28 mgIr cm−2), delivering over 2.0 A cm−2 at 1.8 V (80 °C) and operating stably for 1800 h—notably outperforming conventional catalysts. Our work identifies catalytic hotspots in tunnel-structured oxides and demonstrates their rational integration into high-performance, durable electrolyzer systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Mingcheng Zhang & Wei An & Qianqian Liu & Yuzhu Jiang & Xiao Zhao & Hui Chen & Yongcun Zou & Xiao Liang & Xiaoxin Zou, 2025. "Tunnel-structured IrOx unlocks catalytic efficiency in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62861-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62861-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuannan Wang & Mingcheng Zhang & Zhenye Kang & Lei Shi & Yucheng Shen & Boyuan Tian & Yongcun Zou & Hui Chen & Xiaoxin Zou, 2023. "Nano-metal diborides-supported anode catalyst with strongly coupled TaOx/IrO2 catalytic layer for low-iridium-loading proton exchange membrane electrolyzer," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Dawei Wang & Fangxu Lin & Heng Luo & Jinhui Zhou & Wenshu Zhang & Lu Li & Yi Wei & Qinghua Zhang & Lin Gu & Yanfei Wang & Mingchuan Luo & Fan Lv & Shaojun Guo, 2025. "Ir-O-Mn embedded in porous nanosheets enhances charge transfer in low-iridium PEM electrolyzers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Fei Guo & Bas J. Ruijven & Behnam Zakeri & Shining Zhang & Xing Chen & Changyi Liu & Fang Yang & Volker Krey & Keywan Riahi & Han Huang & Yuanbing Zhou, 2023. "Author Correction: Implications of intercontinental renewable electricity trade for energy systems and emissions," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 8(12), pages 1418-1418, December.
    4. Wang, Jingbo & Wen, Jianfeng & Wang, Jiarong & Yang, Bo & Jiang, Lin, 2024. "Water electrolyzer operation scheduling for green hydrogen production: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
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