A cracked carbon matrix decorated with amorphous IrO_x for boosting the oxygen evolution reaction in electrochemical water splitting

Numerous studies have been performed to develop better materials and systems to boost H-2 production by water splitting. IrO2 and Ti felt have been conventionally used in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) as anode catalysts and porous transport layers (PTLs), respectively. In this study, a cracked carbon matrix (CM) and amorphous IrOx nanoparticles were introduced to overcome the limitations of the current materials. Amorphous IrOx protected by thin carbon shells exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity for the O-2 evolution reaction than commercial IrO2 and ensured sufficient durability under highly oxidative conditions. CM provided a sufficient surface area to disperse the IrOx nanoparticles, and its cracked nature facilitated the transport of electrolytes and produced O-2. These merits enabled PEMWE to achieve 1 A cm(-2) at a cell voltage of 1.64 V without severe degradation.