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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
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Elucidating and Quantifying Parasitic Reactions on Manganese Oxide Electrodes for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Qiuyang Yu1, Yong Zhang2, Wei Tu3
1Laboratory of Advanced Spectro-Electrochemistry and Li-ion Batteries, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|April 16, 2026
Summary
This study reveals parasitic reactions in manganese oxide catalysts during acidic oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Understanding these side reactions and surface reconstruction is key to developing stable, non-precious metal catalysts for water electrolysis.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Non-precious metal catalysts are crucial for efficient proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.
- Manganese oxides show promise but suffer from instability due to manganese dissolution and side reactions.
- Understanding these degradation pathways is vital for designing robust manganese-based catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for in situ detection of manganese ion valence states in acidic media.
- To investigate the interfacial solid-phase structure evolution of manganese oxides during oxygen evolution.
- To elucidate the parasitic reactions and propose a surface reconstruction model for manganese oxides.
Main Methods:
- UV-vis absorption spectroscopy for in situ detection of manganese ion valence states.
- Electron microscopy and spectroscopy for ex situ/in situ investigation of interfacial structure.
- Electrochemical analysis from open circuit potential to oxygen evolution potential.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected and distinguished different valence states of manganese ions in acidic media.
- Captured parasitic reactions in both liquid and solid phases of the manganese oxide electrode.
- Proposed a comprehensive surface reconstruction model including disproportion, redeposition, and over-oxidation.
Conclusions:
- The study provides in-depth insights into side reactions and structural instability of manganese-based materials during acidic OER.
- The proposed model aids in understanding catalyst degradation mechanisms.
- This work can guide the optimization of manganese-based catalysts for improved oxygen electrocatalysis.
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