Critical element
Iridium (Ir)
Iridium is a premium oxygen-evolution catalyst metal and one of the clearest supply constraints for proton-exchange-membrane electrolysis.
Supply signal
Very high concern: PGM concentration and limited production make substitution strategically important.
Affected applications
- PEM electrolysis
- OER catalyst layers
- Green hydrogen capex reduction
Patent note
Iridium substitution needs reaction-specific IP review: HER, OER, and bifunctional claims sit in different patent landscapes.
Substitution map
Candidate Substitute Materials
These are not automatic replacements. They are starting points for warehouse-backed screening across stability, synthesis, patent, and supply signals.
Related pages