Research advances, deactivation mechanisms, and improvement strategies of acidic OER catalysts

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Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a key technology for green hydrogen production, but the harsh acidic anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) causes severe catalyst instability, limiting large-scale commercialization. Existing reviews mainly focus on material classification or modification methods, while the intrinsic deactivation nature and regulatory logic of acidic OER catalysts remain insufficiently clarified. This review systematically summarizes the research progress of acidic OER electrocatalysts, including noble-metal and non-noble metal systems, analyzing their activity origins, structural features, and catalytic performance. Three main deactivation mechanisms are discussed: intrinsic chemical deactivation, bubble effect and mechanical stress, and impurity poisoning. Strategies for enhancing stability and activity are summarized, including reaction pathway optimization, electronic structure modulation, morphological engineering, self-repairing strategies, and passivation engineering. This review reveals structure-performance relationships and deactivation origins, highlighting the importance of multi-strategy synergistic design and promoting the practical application of low-noble-metal and non-noble-metal catalysts. It provides systematic guidance for designing highly active and stable acidic OER catalysts, supporting PEMWE commercialization and the global clean energy transition.