On the Stability of Water Oxidation Catalysts: Challenges and Prospects

Future requirements for water splitting technologies need highly efficient water oxidation catalysts that are sufficiently stable for operation over many years. Recent research has achieved significant progress in improving the electro-catalytic activities of these catalysts. However, there has not been a strong research focus on their long-term mechanical and chemical stability, yet this is critical for commercial application. In this paper we discuss some of the chemical and thermodynamic challenges confronting this goal, as well as some of the strategies that are available to overcome them. The challenge becomes even greater in the area of photo-active electromaterials; fortunately some of the same strategies may allow progress in this area also.