Advances in the mechanism investigation for the oxygen evolution reaction: fundamental theory and monitoring techniques

Abstract

Fundamental theory and monitoring techniques of the OER mechanism: a review.

A Co and Fe bimetallic MOF with enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution performance: exploring the electronic environment modifications upon Fe incorporation

“…Benchmark catalysts (RuO 2 and IrO 2 ) have shown superior catalytic properties for the OER; however, their use in large-scale devices is impeded because of their limited availability, high cost, and certain durability issues. 5,6 Therefore, researchers focus on developing less expensive catalysts with high activity and enhanced durability. Transition metal (mainly Co, Ni, and Fe)-based catalysts (in the form of nitrides, 7 oxides, 8 carbides, 9 phosphides, 10 and sulphides 11 ) and transition metals integrated on carbon-based materials (like carbon nanotubes, 12 mesoporous carbon nitride, 1 graphene oxides 13 and materials derived from metal–organic frameworks 14 ) have been investigated over the past few decades to achieve efficient and economic water splitting.…”

Built-in electric fields and extra electric fields in the oxygen evolution reaction

“…It is important to note that both electrons and protons are involved in each of these four steps. 13–15 As research on the OER mechanism progresses, new reaction mechanisms such as lattice oxygen mechanisms and coupled oxygen evolution mechanisms have been discovered. 16,17 These new reaction mechanisms often impose specific requirements on catalysts.…”

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Coupled with In Situ Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection of the OER Mechanism: A Mini-Review

“…14,16,37 This multitechnique approach has provided valuable insights into the electronic structure, oxidation states, and local atomic environments of catalytic materials during the OER process, facilitating the rational design of more efficient and durable catalysts. 38,39 This review highlights the fundamentals of Raman spectroscopy and SERS, emphasizing their role as in situ tools for analyzing the OER mechanism. It delves into the intricacies of the OER process, illustrating how in situ Raman studies using SERS phenomena can provide detailed mechanistic insights.…”

“…In the past decades, numerous studies have employed this powerful approach to investigate various catalytic materials, including transition metal oxides, oxyhydroxides, perovskites, and molecular complexes. − These studies have shed light on the formation and evolution of surface-bound intermediates, the role of active sites, and the influence of catalyst composition and morphology on the reaction pathways. Furthermore, using SERS as a tool and conventional in situ Raman setup with other advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, has enabled researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the OER mechanism at the surface of the catalyst on multiple length scales. ,, This multitechnique approach has provided valuable insights into the electronic structure, oxidation states, and local atomic environments of catalytic materials during the OER process, facilitating the rational design of more efficient and durable catalysts. , …”