Insight into the structural reconstruction of alkaline water oxidation electrocatalysts

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• The oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) is critical for energy storage and conversion but limited by slow kinetics.
• Advanced, efficient, and cost-effective OER electrocatalysts are needed to overcome these limitations.
• Structural reconstruction of precatalysts is a promising strategy to improve OER performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of structural reconstruction in alkaline water oxidation.
• To elucidate the chemical processes, research methods, and influencing factors of structural reconstruction.
• To guide the rational design of next-generation OER electrocatalysts.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on OER electrocatalyst structural reconstruction.
• Analysis of research methodologies for understanding structural evolution.
• Investigation of factors influencing reconstruction and their impact on performance.

Main Results:

• Structural reconstruction involves atomic rearrangement and composition changes in precatalysts.
• Understanding reconstruction chemistry is crucial for modulating OER catalyst activity.
• A systematic understanding of reconstruction is currently lacking, hindering progress.

Conclusions:

• This review offers insights into the dynamic reconstruction of OER electrocatalysts.
• It provides a basis for regulating reconstruction and developing high-performance catalysts.
• Future guidelines are presented for the rational development of state-of-the-art OER electrocatalysts.