A recent study led by University of Oklahoma Professor Kasun Gunasooriya challenges the conventional understanding of iridium oxide as a catalyst for green hydrogen production. The research indicates that iridium oxide undergoes structural changes over time, forming short-range order patterns instead of becoming fully amorphous. Surprisingly, the newly formed iridium atoms show increased catalytic activity compared to the original material. This breakthrough carries significant implications for the cost of green hydrogen, which is currently hindered by the high cost of iridium oxide. By targeting specific active sites in iridium oxide, scientists may reduce the amount of iridium required, thus lowering production costs. This aligns with the US Department of Energy's Hydrogen Shot initiative, which aims to drastically decrease renewable hydrogen costs by 80%. Professor Gunasooriya's computational modeling for the study offers a promising pathway for advancing clean energy technologies. The findings not only challenge existing norms but also provide a potential solution to make green hydrogen more economically viable compared to coal-derived black hydrogen. This research opens up new possibilities for enhancing the efficiency and affordability of sustainable energy production.