Self-optimizing catalysts facilitate water-splitting for the green production of hydrogen

Hydrogen is a much-debated option in terms of CO₂-neutral energy production. Electrolyzer units that split water into its constituent oxygen and storable hydrogen are supplied with electricity from renewable resources, mainly generated by wind and solar energy. However, catalysts are necessary to facilitate this process. To date, noble metal oxides such as ruthenium dioxide and iridium dioxide are being used as benchmark catalysts. These metals, however, are expensive, rare, and unstable in both acidic and alkaline environments.