Metal oxides for the oxygen evolution reaction: tailoring electronic properties through structural modifications

intrinsic or extrinsic defect formation-along with the ease of oxidation of the active metal, the d-orbital electron configuration in octahedrally coordinated environments, and metal-ligand covalency, have all been identified as key descriptors governing oxygen evolution reaction activity. Our research group has been actively investigating pristine and doped transition metal spinel and perovskite oxides as potential oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts. This article outlines a systematic approach for rationally designing next-generation oxygen evolution catalysts based on critical electronic descriptors.