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

Kexin Zhang, Xiao Liang, Yucheng Wang, Yongcun Zou, Xiao Zhao, Hui Chen () and Xiaoxin Zou ()
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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

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63541-9

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