Dual-Channel Regulation of Spin Polarization Achieves 1 + 1 > 2 Electrocatalytic Performance in Spinel Ferrites

Electron spin polarization enhances the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a rate-limiting step that restricts the energy efficiency of water splitting. Here, a dual-channel spin-regulated strategy combining chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) and external magnetic field (MH)-induced spin polarization synergistically reduces the overpotential and enhances durability in spinel-based ferromagnetic materials. Chiral molecule-modified CoFe2O4 under MH (CFO-L-M) achieves a 90 mV reduction in overpotential compared to unmodified CFO, which is primarily ascribed to the synergistic "1 + 1 > 2" effect arising from the dual-spin channel mechanism. Theoretical calculations show that surface spin states critically influence adsorbate binding, with spin selectivity and polarization being activated during the first electron transfer step, ultimately producing triplet O2. This study elucidates spin-related OER kinetics, offering a foundation for designing advanced spin-dependent electrocatalysts.