Benchmarking electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution

Objective evaluation of the activity of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of fundamental importance for the development of solar water-splitting devices. However, current testing methods employed in catalysis research are far from standardized, making it difficult to cross-compare the activity and stability of these systems. In this presentation, an overview of the std. methods used within the Benchmarking facility of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) will be discussed. In particular, the presentation will focus on std. techniques used for detg. electrochem.-active surface areas and measuring electrocatalytic activity and catalyst stability. Figures of merit for electrocatalytic hydrogen-evolving and oxygen-evolving reactions will also be discussed. Finally, the results of using this benchmarking methodol. to study and compare over 50 electrodeposited HER and OER catalysts in both acidic and basic conditions will be presented.