Advanced Transition Metal-Based OER Electrocatalysts: Current Status, Opportunities, and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies like water splitting and metal-air batteries.
• Sluggish kinetics of the four-electron transfer process in OER hinder performance enhancement.
• Rational catalyst design requires a deep understanding of OER mechanisms and structure-activity relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review OER mechanisms, including adsorbate evolution and lattice-oxygen-mediated pathways.
• To summarize descriptors for catalyst screening and optimization.
• To highlight recent advancements in transition metal-based OER electrocatalysts and propose future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Detailed discussion of OER reaction pathways and intermediates.
• Summary of key descriptors for catalyst evaluation.
• Review of experimental achievements in transition metal-based OER electrocatalysts.

Main Results:

• Elucidation of conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism and lattice-oxygen-mediated mechanism.
• Identification of descriptors for effective catalyst screening.
• Showcasing novel design principles derived from recent experimental breakthroughs.

Conclusions:

• Understanding OER mechanisms and structure-activity relationships is vital for catalyst design.
• Iterative improvements based on fundamental principles are essential for efficient transition metal-based OER electrocatalysts.
• Further research is needed to enhance catalytic performance and deepen the understanding of catalyst design for energy applications.