The article discusses a recent study published in Nature Communications that focuses on the importance of proton participation in enhancing the stability and performance of undoped ruthenium oxide as a catalyst for proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). Researchers, including those from the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, have identified undoped ruthenium oxide as a promising alternative for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) crucial for electrolyzer operation. The study reveals that controlling proton participation significantly improves the stability of the electrodes during electrolyzer operation. Replacing expensive and scarce iridium, ruthenium oxide emerges as a cost-effective catalyst with superior intrinsic activity. The research delves into the failure mechanisms affecting catalyst longevity and highlights the role of proton participation in catalytic impact. By inhibiting unwanted proton participation, researchers achieve a remarkable enhancement in the stability of ruthenium oxide, addressing concerns about its performance under operational conditions. Characterizing hydrous and ahydrous forms of ruthenium oxides, the study shows that the undoped, highly crystalline form exhibits enhanced stability and performance retention even under rigorous testing conditions. Advanced methods like synchrotron-based characterizations and computational simulations validate the efficacy of undoped ruthenium oxide as a stable catalyst, offering valuable insights for future catalyst development. The research signifies a significant contribution to the field, paving the way for the strategic utilization of undoped ruthenium as a stable alternative catalyst in proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers. The study's findings provide crucial knowledge for the development of stable catalysts essential for green hydrogen production and sustainable energy transition, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches and materials in advancing renewable energy technologies for a sustainable future.