Understanding the Anodic Reconstruction of Prussian Blue Analogs During Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic performance of Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) depends on electronic properties and structural transformations.
• PBAs reconstruct into M(O)OH active phases under anodic conditions, exhibiting unique OER activity.
• Understanding PBA reconstruction is crucial for optimizing OER catalysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the reconstruction behavior of PBAs under OER conditions.
• To analyze factors governing anodic reconstruction and strategies for modulation.
• To provide a clear understanding of catalyst reconstruction using advanced techniques.

Main Methods:

• In situ spectroscopic techniques
• In situ microscopic techniques
• In situ analytical techniques
• Theoretical calculations

Main Results:

• PBAs undergo bulk reconstruction to form M(O)OH active phases.
• In situ-generated M(O)OH shows distinct OER activity compared to other precatalyst-derived active phases.
• Key factors influencing anodic reconstruction and modulation strategies are identified.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive understanding of PBA reconstruction is essential for realizing their OER potential.
• In situ techniques and theoretical calculations offer insights into catalyst transformation.
• Modulating reconstruction offers a pathway to design highly active OER catalysts.