A Review of the Synthesis of Iridium-Based Catalysts for PEM Water Electrolysis Using MSS Methods
Session Number
1
Advisor(s)
Ahmed A Abozeed Farghaly, Argonne National Laboratory
Location
A115
Discipline
Chemistry
Start Date
15-4-2026 10:15 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a promising pathway for green hydrogen production. However, the method’s efficiency is limited by the slow kinetics of the acidic oxygen-evolution reaction (OER); the only currently effective catalysts are primarily Iridium, a rare and expensive metal, limiting large-scale production. This review examines Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) as a versatile, scalable strategy to engineer high-performance Ir-based electrocatalysts. MSS enables precise control over crystallinity and electrochemical performance by tuning key parameters such as the Iridium base and salt medium(s). Different salt and Iridium bases can also control the morphologies of the catalysts, ranging from 0 to 3D nanostructures. The dissolution-percipitation mechanism in salt melts creates an environment resulting in a catalyst with high mass activity and surface area, while retaining the structural integrity required for harsh acidic environments. Through performance testing using recent benchmarks and electrochemical procedures in a three-electrode cell configuration, this review provides a roadmap for using MSS to reduce noble-metal loading, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory-scale catalyst design and industrial-scale deployment of PEM electrolyzers.
A Review of the Synthesis of Iridium-Based Catalysts for PEM Water Electrolysis Using MSS Methods
A115
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a promising pathway for green hydrogen production. However, the method’s efficiency is limited by the slow kinetics of the acidic oxygen-evolution reaction (OER); the only currently effective catalysts are primarily Iridium, a rare and expensive metal, limiting large-scale production. This review examines Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) as a versatile, scalable strategy to engineer high-performance Ir-based electrocatalysts. MSS enables precise control over crystallinity and electrochemical performance by tuning key parameters such as the Iridium base and salt medium(s). Different salt and Iridium bases can also control the morphologies of the catalysts, ranging from 0 to 3D nanostructures. The dissolution-percipitation mechanism in salt melts creates an environment resulting in a catalyst with high mass activity and surface area, while retaining the structural integrity required for harsh acidic environments. Through performance testing using recent benchmarks and electrochemical procedures in a three-electrode cell configuration, this review provides a roadmap for using MSS to reduce noble-metal loading, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory-scale catalyst design and industrial-scale deployment of PEM electrolyzers.