ELECTROCHEMICAL WATER SPLITTING FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION: MATERIALS AND MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71146/kjmr889Keywords:
Electrochemical water splitting, Hydrogen production, Electrocatalysis, Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), Oxygen evolution reaction (OER), Sustainable energy, Energy materials, Electrochemical kinetics, Mechanistic insightsAbstract
Electrochemical water splitting is a promising and environmentally sustainable approach for large-scale hydrogen production, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuel–based energy systems. The overall efficiency of this process is primarily governed by the activity, stability, and cost of electrocatalytic materials involved in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study focuses on recent advances in materials design and the underlying electrochemical mechanisms that control water-splitting performance. Various classes of electrocatalysts, including transition-metal-based materials, nanostructured systems, and hybrid composites, are evaluated with respect to their catalytic activity, overpotential requirements, charge-transfer kinetics, and long-term durability. Mechanistic insights into HER and OER pathways are discussed using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, Tafel analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The relationship between material structure, surface chemistry, and catalytic performance is critically analyzed to identify key factors responsible for enhanced reaction kinetics. The findings highlight strategic material engineering and mechanistic understanding as essential tools for improving electrochemical water-splitting efficiency, paving the way toward sustainable and scalable hydrogen production technologies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Saddam, Muniba BiBi, Engr Dr Sana Saeed, Naji Ullah (Author)
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