Preparation and characterization of titanium suboxides as conductive supports of IrO2 electrocatalysts for application in SPE electrolysers

Constrained Minimal Interface on Iridium Oxide Surfaces for Acidic Water Oxidation with Low Iridium Loading

Iridium-based oxides are the best commercial catalysts for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) because of their relatively excellent stability. However, their high price and low OER activity have greatly impeded their commercialization. Doping IrO2 with transition metals significantly enhances its activity; however, the instability of transition metals in OER kinetic processes can result in substantial metal dissolution and ion exchange. Herein, we report a metastable amorphous Fe:IrO2 OER catalyst, which provided excellent structural flexibility, enhancing the catalyst's performance in the OER with minimal Ir loading. Their constrained minimal interface structure ensures stability, as shown by the minimal dissolution of Fe ions after chronopotentiometry tests. In situ FTIR and DEMS analyses reveal that the catalyst utilizes an *O-*O radical coupling mechanism to generate O2. These findings illustrate the important role of metastable amorphous IrO2 catalysts in establishing an optimal catalytic pathway for stable and excellent electrochemical properties.

Recent advances in synthesis and application of Magnéli phase titanium oxides for energy storage and environmental remediation

High-temperature reduction of TiO2 causes the gradual formation of structural defects, leading to oxygen vacancy planar defects and giving rise to Magnéli phases, which are substoichiometric titanium oxides that follow the formula Ti n O2n-1, with 4 ≤ n ≤ 9. A high concentration of defects provides several possible configurations for Ti4+ and Ti3+ within the crystal, with the variation in charge ordered states changing the electronic structure of the material. The changes in crystal and electronic structures of Magnéli phases introduce unique properties absent in TiO2, facilitating their diverse applications. Their exceptional electrical conductivity, stability in harsh chemical environments and capability to generate hydroxyl radicals make them highly valuable in electrochemical applications. Additionally, their high specific capacity and corrosion resistance make them ideal for energy storage facilities. These properties, combined with excellent solar light absorption, have led to their widespread use in electrochemical, photochemical, photothermal, catalytic and energy storage applications. To provide a complete overview of the formation, properties, and environmental- and energy-related applications of Magnéli phase titanium suboxides, this review initially highlights the crystal structure and the physical, thermoelectrical and optical properties of these materials. The conventional and novel strategies developed to synthesise these materials are then discussed, along with potential approaches to overcome challenges associated with current issues and future low-energy fabrication methods. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of their applications across various fields, including environmental remediation, energy storage, and thermoelectric and optoelectronic technologies. We also discuss promising new directions for the use of Magnéli phase titanium suboxides and solutions to challenges in energy and environment-related applications, and provide guidance on how these materials can be developed and utilised to meet diverse research application needs. By making use of control measures to mitigate the potential hazards associated with their nanoparticles, Magnéli phases can be considered as versatile materials with potential for next generation energy needs.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolysis: Cell-Level Considerations for Gigawatt-Scale Deployment

Hydrogen produced with no greenhouse gas emissions is termed "green hydrogen" and will be essential to reaching decarbonization targets set forth by nearly every country as per the Paris Agreement. Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are expected to contribute substantially to the green hydrogen market. However, PEMWE market penetration is insignificant, accounting for less than a gigawatt of global capacity. Achieving substantive decarbonization via green hydrogen will require PEMWEs to reach capacities of hundreds of gigawatts by 2030. This paper serves as an overarching roadmap for cell-level improvements necessary for gigawatt-scale PEMWE deployment, with insights from three well-established hydrogen technology companies included. Analyses will be presented for economies of scale, renewable energy prices, government policies, accelerated stress tests, and component-specific improvements.

Enhanced Acidic Water Oxidation by Dynamic Migration of Oxygen Species at the Ir/Nb2 O5-x Catalyst/Support Interfaces

Catalyst/support interaction plays a vital role in catalysis towards acidic oxygen evolution (OER), and the performance reinforcement is currently interpreted by either strain or electron donation effect. We herein report that these views are insufficient, where the dynamic evolution of the interface under potential bias must be considered. Taking Nb₂ O_5-x supported iridium (Ir/Nb₂ O_5-x ) as a model catalyst, we uncovered the dynamic migration of oxygen species between IrO_x and Nb₂ O_5-x during OER. Direct spectroscopic evidence combined with theoretical computation suggests these migrations not only regulate the in situ Ir structure towards boosted activity, but also suppress its over-oxidation via spontaneously delivering excessive oxygen from IrO_x to Nb₂ O_5-x . The optimized Ir/Nb₂ O_5-x thus demonstrated exceptional performance in scalable water electrolyzers, i.e., only need 1.839 V to attain 3 A cm^-2 (surpassing the DOE 2025 target), and no activity decay during a 2000 h test at 2 A cm^-2 .

Supported Iridium-based Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts - Recent Developments

The commercialization of acidic proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) is heavily hindered by the price and scarcity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, i. e. iridium and its oxides. One of the solutions to enhance the utilization of this precious metal is to use a support to distribute well dispersed Ir nanoparticles. In addition, adequately chosen support can also impact the activity and stability of the catalyst. However, not many materials can sustain the oxidative and acidic conditions of OER in PEMWE. Hereby, we critically and extensively review the different materials proposed as possible supports for OER in acidic media and the effect they have on iridium performances.

Epitaxial Core-Shell Oxide Nanoparticles: First-Principles Evidence for Increased Activity and Stability of Rutile Catalysts for Acidic Oxygen Evolution

Due to their high activity and favorable stability in acidic electrolytes, Ir and Ru oxides are primary catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. For a future large-scale application, core-shell nanoparticles are an appealing route to minimize the demand for these precious oxides. Here, we employ first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) and ab initio thermodynamics to assess the feasibility of encapsulating a cheap rutile-structured TiO₂ core with coherent, monolayer-thin IrO₂ or RuO₂ films. Resulting from a strong directional dependence of adhesion and strain, a wetting tendency is only obtained for some low-index facets under typical gas-phase synthesis conditions. Thermodynamic stability in particular of lattice-matched RuO₂ films is instead indicated for more oxidizing conditions. Intriguingly, the calculations also predict an enhanced activity and stability of such epitaxial RuO₂ /TiO₂ core-shell particles under OER operation.

Sacrificial Cu Layer Mediated the Formation of an Active and Stable Supported Iridium Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst

The production of hydrogen via a proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEM-WE) is directly dependent on the rational design of electrocatalysts for the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is the bottleneck of the process. Here, we present a smart design strategy for enhancing Ir utilization and stabilization. We showcase it on a catalyst, where Ir nanoparticles are efficiently anchored on a conductive support titanium oxynitride (TiON_x) dispersed over carbon-based Ketjen Black and covered by a thin layer of copper (Ir/CuTiON_x/C), which gets removed in the preconditioning step. Electrochemical OER activity, stability, and structural changes were compared to the Ir-based catalyst, where Ir nanoparticles without Cu are deposited on the same support (Ir/TiON_x/C). To study the effect of the sacrificial less-noble metal layer on the catalytic performance of the synthesized material, characterization methods, namely X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and identical location transmission electron microscopy were employed and complemented with scanning flow cell coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, which allowed studying the online dissolution during the catalytic reaction. Utilization of these advanced methods revealed that the sacrificial Cu layer positively affects both Ir OER mass activity and its durability, which was assessed via S-number, a recently reported stability metric. Improved activity of Cu analogue was ascribed to the higher surface area of smaller Ir nanoparticles, which are better stabilized through a strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) effect.

Defect Engineering on a Ti4O7 Electrode by Ce3+ Doping for the Efficient Electrooxidation of Perfluorooctanesulfonate

Defect engineering in an electrocatalyst, such as doping, has the potential to significantly enhance its catalytic activity and stability. Herein, we report the use of a defect engineering strategy to enhance the electrochemical reactivity of Ti₄O₇ through Ce³⁺ doping (1-3 at. %), resulting in the significantly accelerated interfacial charge transfer and yielding a 37-129% increase in the anodic production of the hydroxyl radical (OH^•). The Ce³⁺-doped Ti₄O₇ electrodes, [(Ti_1-xCe_x)₄O₇], also exhibited a more stable electrocatalytic activity than the pristine Ti₄O₇ electrode so as to facilitate the long-term operation. Furthermore, (Ti_1-xCe_x)₄O₇ electrodes were also shown to effectively mineralize perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in electrooxidation processes in both a trace-concentration river water sample and a simulated preconcentration waste stream sample. A 3 at. % dopant amount of Ce³⁺ resulted in a PFOS oxidation rate 2.4× greater than that of the pristine Ti₄O₇ electrode. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggest that Ce³⁺ doping created surficial oxygen vacancies that may be responsible for the enhanced electrochemical reactivity and stability of the (Ti_1-xCe_x)₄O₇ electrodes. Results of this study provide insights into the defect engineering strategy for boosting the electrochemical performance of the Ti₄O₇ electrode with a robust reactivity and stability.

Magneli-Phase Titanium Suboxide Nanocrystals as Highly Active Catalysts for Selective Acetalization of Furfural

Alongside TiO₂, Magneli-phase titanium suboxide having the composition of Ti_nO_2n-1 is a kind of attractive functional materials composed of titanium. However, there still remain problems to be overcome in the synthesis of titanium suboxide; the existing synthesis methods require high temperature typically over 1000 °C and/or postsynthesis purification. This study presents a novel approach to synthesis of titanium suboxide nanoparticles through solid-phase reaction of TiO₂ with TiH₂. Crystal phases of titanium suboxide were easily controlled by changing TiO₂/TiH₂ molar ratios in a TiO₂-TiH₂ mixed precursor, and a series of titanium suboxide nanoparticles including Ti₂O₃, Ti₃O₅, Ti₄O₇, and Ti₈O₁₅ were successfully obtained. The reaction of TiO₂ with TiH₂ proceeded at a relatively low temperature due to the high reactivity of TiH₂, giving titanium suboxide nanoparticles without any postsynthesis purification. Ti₂O₃ nanoparticles and TiO₂ were applied as solid acid catalysts for reaction of furfural with 2-propanol. Ti₂O₃ showed a high catalytic activity and high selectivity for acetalization of furfural, while TiO₂ showed only poor activity for transfer hydrogenation of furfural. The difference in catalytic properties is discussed in terms of the acid properties of Ti₂O₃ and TiO₂.

Iridium-Based Catalysts for Solid Polymer Electrolyte Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Chemical energy conversion/storage through water splitting for hydrogen production has been recognized as the ideal solution to the transient nature of renewable energy sources. Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolysis is one of the most practical ways to produce pure H₂ . Electrocatalysts are key materials in the SPE water electrolysis. At the anode side, electrode materials catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) require specific properties. Among the reported materials, only iridium presents high activity and is more stable. In this Minireview, an application overview of single iridium metal and its oxide catalysts-binary, ternary, and multicomponent catalysts of iridium oxides and supported composite catalysts-for the OER in SPE water electrolysis is presented. Two main strategies to improve the activity of an electrocatalyst system, namely, increasing the number of active sites and the intrinsic activity of each active site, are reviewed with detailed examples. The challenges and perspectives in this field are also discussed.

The Stability Challenges of Oxygen Evolving Catalysts: Towards a Common Fundamental Understanding and Mitigation of Catalyst Degradation

This Review addresses the technical challenges, scientific basis, recent progress, and outlook with respect to the stability and degradation of catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) operating at electrolyzer anodes in acidic environments with an emphasis on ion exchange membrane applications. First, the term "catalyst stability" is clarified, as well as current performance targets, major catalyst degradation mechanisms, and their mitigation strategies. Suitable in situ experimental methods are then evaluated to give insight into catalyst degradation and possible pathways to tune OER catalyst stability. Finally, the importance of identifying universal figures of merit for stability is highlighted, leading to a comprehensive accelerated lifetime test that could yield comparable performance data across different laboratories and catalyst types. The aim of this Review is to help disseminate and stress the important relationships between structure, composition, and stability of OER catalysts under different operating conditions.

Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Water Photo-Electrolysis

Water-fed photo-electrolysis cells equipped with perfluorosulfonic acid (Nafion^® 115) and quaternary ammonium-based (Fumatech^® FAA3) ion exchange membranes as separator for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions were investigated. Protonic or anionic ionomer dispersions were deposited on the electrodes to extend the interface with the electrolyte. The photo-anode consisted of a large band-gap Ti-oxide semiconductor. The effect of membrane characteristics on the photo-electrochemical conversion of solar energy was investigated for photo-voltage-driven electrolysis cells. Photo-electrolysis cells were also studied for operation under electrical bias-assisted mode. The pH of the membrane/ionomer had a paramount effect on the photo-electrolytic conversion. The anionic membrane showed enhanced performance compared to the Nafion^®-based cell when just TiO₂ anatase was used as photo-anode. This was associated with better oxygen evolution kinetics in alkaline conditions compared to acidic environment. However, oxygen evolution kinetics in acidic conditions were significantly enhanced by using a Ti sub-oxide as surface promoter in order to facilitate the adsorption of OH species as precursors of oxygen evolution. However, the same surface promoter appeared to inhibit oxygen evolution in an alkaline environment probably as a consequence of the strong adsorption of OH species on the surface under such conditions. These results show that a proper combination of photo-anode and polymer electrolyte membrane is essential to maximize photo-electrolytic conversion.

Nanostructured Ir-supported on Ti4O7 as a cost-effective anode for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers

A cost-effective catalyst Ir/Ti₄O₇ with superior OER activity has been developed, by which the Ir loading in the anode of a PEM electrolyzer can be reduced.

Structures, preparation and applications of titanium suboxides

The crystal structure, physical and chemical properties, preparation methods and applications of titanium suboxides (Ti_nO_2n−1, n = integer greater than one) have recently attracted tremendous attention.

Investigation of Supported Pd-Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Performance, Durability and Methanol Tolerance

Next generation cathode catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) must have high catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a lower cost than benchmark Pt catalysts, and high stability and high tolerance to permeated methanol. In this study, palladium catalysts supported on titanium suboxides (Pd/Ti_nO_2n–1) were prepared by the sulphite complex route. The aim was to improve methanol tolerance and lower the cost associated with the noble metal while enhancing the stability through the use of titanium-based support; 30% Pd/Ketjenblack (Pd/KB) and 30% Pd/Vulcan (Pd/Vul) were also synthesized for comparison, using the same methodology. The catalysts were ex-situ characterized by physico-chemical analysis and investigated for the ORR to evaluate their activity, stability, and methanol tolerance properties. The Pd/KB catalyst showed the highest activity towards the ORR in perchloric acid solution. All Pd-based catalysts showed suitable tolerance to methanol poisoning, leading to higher ORR activity than a benchmark Pt/C catalyst in the presence of low methanol concentration. Among them, the Pd/Ti_nO_2n–1 catalyst showed a very promising stability compared to carbon-supported Pd samples in an accelerated degradation test of 1000 potential cycles. These results indicate good perspectives for the application of Pd/Ti_nO_2n–1 catalysts in DMFC cathodes.

Mesoporous nanostructured Nb-doped titanium dioxide microsphere catalyst supports for PEM fuel cell electrodes

Crystalline microspheres of Nb-doped TiO(2) with a high specific surface area were synthesized using a templating method exploiting ionic interactions between nascent inorganic components and an ionomer template. The microspheres exhibit a porosity gradient, with a meso-macroporous kernel, and a mesoporous shell. The material has been investigated as cathode electrocatalyst support for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. A uniform dispersion of Pt particles on the Nb-doped TiO(2) support was obtained using a microwave method, and the electrochemical properties assessed by cyclic voltammetry. Nb-TiO(2) supported Pt demonstrated very high stability, as after 1000 voltammetric cycles, 85% of the electroactive Pt area remained compared to 47% in the case of commercial Pt on carbon. For the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which takes place at the cathode, the highest stability was again obtained with the Nb-doped titania-based material even though the mass activity calculated at 0.9 V vs RHE was slightly lower. The microspherical structured and mesoporous Nb-doped TiO(2) is an alternative support to carbon for PEM fuel cells.

Facile general route toward tunable Magnéli nanostructures and their use as thermoelectric metal oxide/carbon nanocomposites

Engineering nanoscale interfaces is a requisite for harnessing electrical and thermal transports within nanostructured materials, especially those destined for thermoelectric applications requiring an unusual combination of low thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity. Nanocomposites open up possibilities in this area, but are still bound to a very narrow range of materials. Here, we report a new approach combining the sol-gel process toward hybrid materials with spark plasma sintering (SPS) to yield functional nanocomposites based on substoichiometric titanium oxides Ti(n)O(2n-1), so-called Magnéli phases. The potential of this new approach is demonstrated by three results. First, multiple Ti(n)O(2n-1) compounds (n = 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) are obtained for the first time as sole nano-Magnéli crystalline phases with controlled specific surface areas from 55 to 300 m(2)·g(-1), classified as potential thermoelectric n-type metal oxides and paving the way toward advanced systems for energy-harvesting devices and optoelectronics. Second, this work combines the use of sol-gel and SPS processes to yield percolated nanocomposites based on metal oxide nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix with low electrical resistivity (2 × 10(-4) Ω·m for a Ti(4)O(7) compound) and reduced thermal conductivity (1 W·m(-1)·K(-1)) with respect to bulk phases. Finally, the discovered materials are reliable with thermoelectric figures of merit (ZT = 0.08) relatively high for n-type Ti-O-based systems and metal oxides. Thereby this study represents a proof of concept for the development of promising, cheaper, and more efficient thermoelectric conversion devices.

Investigation of IrO2/Pt Electrocatalysts in Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells

IrO2/Pt catalysts (at different concentrations) were synthesized by incipient wetness technique and characterized by XRD, XRF, and SEM. Water electrolysis/fuel cell performances were evaluated in a 5 cm2single cell under Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) configuration. The IrO2/Pt composition of 14/86 showed the highest performance for water electrolysis and the lowest one as fuel cell. It is derived that for fuel cell operation an excess of Pt favours the oxygen reduction process whereas IrO2promotes oxygen evolution. From the present results, it appears that the diffusion characteristics and the reaction rate in fuel cell mode are significantly lower than in the electrolyser mode. This requires the enhancement of the gas diffusion properties of the electrodes and the catalytic properties for cathode operation in fuel cells.