Hydrogen, as a clean energy vector, holds great potential for decarbonizing society. Current hydrogen production mostly relies on methane, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions. Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis powered by renewables, offers a sustainable solution. However, traditional catalysts like iridium are scarce and costly. Seeking alternatives, a team of researchers successfully developed a cobalt-based catalyst that demonstrates stability and efficiency in proton-exchange water electrolysis without iridium. By utilizing a unique 'delamination process,' they integrated water and hydroxyl groups into the catalyst's structure, ensuring its viability in industrial applications. This breakthrough, showcased in Science, highlights a significant step towards scalable green hydrogen production. The study's collaborative efforts involving various research institutions signify a promising shift in catalyst development for sustainable energy solutions.