Revitalizing osmium-based catalysts for energy conversion

Designing high cost-effective catalysts has been one of the core topics in energy conversion and storage. Due to unique electronic structure and excellent comprehensive properties, Pt-group metal (PGM) based-materials occupy the top region of numerous volcanic curves and are currently difficult to be replaced by abundant transition metal catalysts. Herein, we pay attention to the osmium (Os), as the cheapest and the least noticed PGM in the field of electrocatalysis, with promising application prospects. Specifically, the three main modification strategies (anion modulation, heterostructure construction, substrate engineering) of Os-based catalysts in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the structural advantages provided in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and other energy-related electrocatalysis applications are discussed one by one. In addition, we discuss the key problems and countermeasures faced in their further breakthroughs, and look forward to future development trends and prospects. Undoubtedly, the insights in this work will promote the understanding and designation of Os-based catalysts.