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Adsorbed oxygen dynamics at forced convection interface in the oxygen evolution reaction
Zhixuan Chen1, Ze Lin1, Xiaoyu Zhu1
1State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Nature Communications
|August 26, 2025
Summary
Understanding adsorbed oxygen (*O) conversions is key to reducing the oxygen evolution reaction overpotential. This study tracks *O pathways, revealing *O coupling significantly impacts overpotential, guiding electrocatalyst design.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial in electrocatalysis, but its overpotential needs reduction.
- Modulating adsorbed oxygen (*O) is a promising strategy, yet the specific contributions of *O conversions to overpotential are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct contributions of various *O conversion pathways to the OER overpotential.
- To establish quantitative relationships between Faradaic contributions and specific *O conversion mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-component forced convection electrochemical mass spectrometry system.
- Construction of *O-labeled electrochemical interfaces with controlled coverages.
- Analysis of anomalous fractionation of molecular oxygen to track *O conversions.
Main Results:
- *O coupling was identified as a significant contributor, accounting for up to 48% of the overpotential on a full coverage platinum interface.
- Quantitative relationships between Faradaic contributions and *O conversion pathways were established.
- The study demonstrated that balancing *O formation and conversions, particularly *O coupling, is essential for minimizing OER overpotential.
Conclusions:
- Tracking intermediate *O conversions provides critical insights into OER mechanisms.
- Optimizing the balance of *O formation and conversion pathways, especially *O coupling, is vital for designing efficient electrocatalytic interfaces for OER.
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