Seoul City University has announced a significant breakthrough in the design and synthesis of next-generation oxygen catalysts. Researchers from the Physics Department, led by Professor Jang Young-jun, have successfully managed to control the surface oxidation states of iridium telluride (IrTe2), a 2D transition metal chalcogenide, to maximize its catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study, conducted in collaboration with institutions including Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Chung-Ang University, National NanoFab Center, and Sweden's MAX IV Laboratory, is set to be published in the prestigious journal ACS Catalysis, which focuses on advancements in catalysis research.

The research team's innovative approach involved using advanced vacuum thin-film synthesis techniques to prepare high-quality IrTe2 thin films, followed by electrochemical oxidation adjustments to optimize the formation and reaction pathways of active intermediates such as Ir–OH, Ir–OO, and Te–OH. Their findings demonstrate that tellurium atoms can interact with hydrogen and induce charge redistribution, revealing a "redox flexibility" that significantly enhances the efficiency and stability of the catalyst compared to traditional noble metal-based designs.

Professor Jang emphasized that their work represents a pioneering effort to integrate high-precision thin-film synthesis with cutting-edge synchrotron analysis techniques, enabling simultaneous advancements in the electronic structure design of 2D catalyst materials and electrolysis reaction control. This research is expected to serve as a critical milestone toward developing efficient catalysts necessary for achieving a carbon-neutral hydrogen society, aligning with global sustainability goals. The study was funded by various programs including those from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.