Scientists from Leiden University and the SLAC National Laboratory have solved a long-standing mystery concerning the rapid corrosion of platinum electrodes. The research, recently published in the journal Nature Materials, unveils the underlying cause of platinum degradation that has puzzled researchers for years. Unlike most metals, platinum electrodes break down when negatively polarized, affecting the performance of electrolyzers and various electrochemical devices. By utilizing high-energy-resolution X-ray spectroscopy techniques at the SLAC's Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, the team observed platinum corrosion in real-time. Through meticulous analysis and computational modeling, they confirmed that platinum hydrides, not platinides, were responsible for the degradation of platinum surfaces in electrolytes. This breakthrough will significantly impact the field by enabling the development of strategies to combat platinum corrosion and enhance the reliability of electrochemical sensors and green hydrogen production. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative scientific approaches in unraveling complex scientific phenomena, ultimately offering promising solutions for the future of green technology and electrochemistry.