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Support-tuned iridium reconstruction with crystalline phase dominating acidic oxygen evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Kexin Zhang

    (Jilin University)

  • Xiao Liang

    (Jilin University)

  • Yucheng Wang

    (Xiamen University)

  • Yongcun Zou

    (Jilin University)

  • Xiao Zhao

    (Jilin University)

  • Hui Chen

    (Jilin University)

  • Xiaoxin Zou

    (Jilin University)

Abstract

The dynamic reconstruction of oxygen evolution electrocatalysts dictates their performance, yet conventional Ir-based materials face an inherent activity-stability trade-off due to surface amorphization into hydrous IrOx phases accompanied by lattice oxygen mechanisms. Here, we uncover a distinct reconstruction pathway for supported Ir nanoparticles, where a TiOx@Ti substrate drives a bulk phase transition from metallic Ir to crystalline rutile IrO2 during electrocatalysis. Unlike surface-limited amorphization, this support-guided crystallization shifts the reaction mechanism from involving lattice oxygen mechanism to the complete adsorbate evolution mechanism, as confirmed by mechanistic and structural analyses. Consequently, the Ir/TiOx@Ti catalyst achieves both high activity and durability in acidic media, demonstrated in three-electrode systems and proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. This work redefines support roles in electrocatalyst reconstruction, demonstrating that bulk phase engineering—rather than surface modification—resolves the long-standing efficiency-durability conflict in acidic oxygen evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Kexin Zhang & Xiao Liang & Yucheng Wang & Yongcun Zou & Xiao Zhao & Hui Chen & Xiaoxin Zou, 2025. "Support-tuned iridium reconstruction with crystalline phase dominating acidic oxygen evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63541-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63541-9
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