Research Progress on the Application of One-Step Fabrication Techniques for Iridium-Based Thin Films in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
, Zhongqiu Tong 2,*, Xian Wang 1, Yan Wei 1, Xingqiang Wang 1, Changyi Hu 1, Xingdong Zhao 1 and Xuxiang Zhang 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have reported on the research progress on the application of one-step fabrication techniques for iridium-based thin films in the oxygen evolution reaction
I have the following comments on the manuscript.
1. In page 11, the font is different. Authors should be careful about the English of the manuscript.
2. Figure 6 should be much larger. The inset of Figure 6d is not clearly visible in the present form.
3. I suggest the authors include a table for various reported developments on iridium-based thin films in the oxygen evolution reaction. Similarly, it would be nice if the authors compared recent developments in iridium-based thin film catalysts with the nanoparticle-based catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in a table. Two separate tables will be included.
4. The future prospects are not clear enough. Authors should give detailed prospects for the thin film-based iridium-based catalyst. If necessary authors can include a schematic figure for future prospect analysis.
5. Authors should include a “Summary” after the “Future prospect”.
I think the authors need to improve the manuscript with a detailed analysis of various developments for IrO2-based catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions.
I recommend a major revision of the manuscript based on the above comments for further consideration.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageModerate editing of the English language is required. Authors should reduce similar sentences and languages from previous publications.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article is very interesting, but some points need to be clarified.
1. On page 2 the authors write: «The methods for preparing IrOâ‚‚ films include sol-gel methods [22,23], thermal decomposition[24], electrochemical oxidation[25], and sputtering[26,27]. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and most are not single-step film formation processes». At the same time, on page 4 (section 3) it is written: «In the preparation of iridium-based thin films for application in the OER, techniques such as electrochemical deposition, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and sol-gel methods have demonstrated exceptional technical advantages. These methods enable the one-step successful fabrication of thin films». Authors should clarify what is «multy-step» or «single-step» for each method.
2. Since the review discusses precisely Fabrication Techniques of IrO2 preparing, corresponding one-step and multy-step schemes should be given in each section: for electrochemical methods (3.1.), the sputtering (Vapor Deposition, section 3.2. and 3.3.), Sol-Gel Method (3.4.). This will demonstrate the advantages of the approaches proposed by the authors.
3. From the review it follows that the methods considered by the authors have not yet received widespread use, including in technology. Why? This should be discussed in the introduction or conclusion.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have revised the manuscript according to the reviewers' comments. I would like to recommend acceptance of the manuscript.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAccept in present form
