Ir Nanoparticles with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Properties for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

We explore the possibility of using IrxRu1-xO2 (x = 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5 and 0) nanoparticles as anodic electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). The nanoparticles were synthesized by a two-step Adams' fusion method. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the composition, crystal structure, morphology, and size of the catalyst particles. The surface activity and durability of these oxides was investigated by electrochemical methods including cyclic voltammetry and anodic polarization in a solution of 0.5 M H2SO4. Based on the characterization results, the IrxRu1-xO2 (x = 0.7) catalyst presented a good performance and was found suitable to serve as an anodic catalyst in PEMWE.