Mechanisms of Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Metal Oxides: Adsorbate Evolution Mechanism versus Lattice Oxygen Mechanism

Water electrolysis provides a promising technology for hydrogen production, but the sluggish four-electron conversion-process of the oxygen evolution reaction results in high overpotential and a low efficiency of water splitting. To rationalize and improve the performance of oxygen evolution reaction, it is crucial to understand the electrochemical mechanisms occurring in cells and monitor the structural changes of newly developed catalysts. As the most recognized mechanisms, the adsorbate evolution mechanism and the lattice oxygen mechanism have been utilized to explain the physical and chemical behaviors of the oxygen evolution reaction. Thus, we herein provide a perspective on these two paths by summarizing the recent progresses in oxygen evolution reactions and building fundamental connections between material designs and the two mechanisms. Insights from this work offer solution to address the current challenges and limitations for the water oxidation.