Hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, but it relies on efficient and stable catalysts that work under acidic conditions—currently dominated by precious metals like iridium and platinum.

A research team from the Singular Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) in Spain, led by María Giménez-López, has made a fundamental advance toward Earth-abundant alternatives. Their work, published in the journal Advanced Materials, shows that a single molecular compound can act as a catalytic “switch,” toggling between oxygen and hydrogen production.