Design principles of metal phosphides for the oxygen evolution reaction in seawater: activity, selectivity and stability

Abstract

Direct seawater electrolysis technology shows great potential, but chloride ions corrode the electrodes and cause competitive reactions, which limits its application. In recent years, metal phosphides with excellent intrinsic catalytic activity have attracted much attention as electrocatalysts for the seawater splitting process, especially as efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. This paper reviews the preparation methods for phosphide-based catalysts, the mechanism involved and related parameters for the OER. Innovative strategies for designing effective anode electrocatalysts to address the challenges are summarized. Furthermore, we outline a general strategy for enhancing the activity, selectivity, and stability of metal phosphides for the OER in seawater. Finally, future prospects for the development of metal phosphide catalysts are proposed and discussed.