Electrocatalytic properties of transition metal oxides for oxygen evolution reaction

Electrocatalysis of the transition metal oxides for the oxygen evolution reaction has been reviewed. The mechanisms of the oxygen evolution reaction and the electrical properties of the oxides are simultaneously discussed. It is suggested that some assumptions used in the deduction of the mechanism from the reaction parameters may not be always correct, especially in the potential distribution in the interface between the electrode and the electrolyte. Many transition metal oxides tested as the anode material for the oxygen evolution reaction are summarized. From the comparison in the overvoltages in the oxygen evolution reaction, the sequence of the electrocatalytic activity is concluded to be RuO2 > IrO2 > Co and Ni containing oxides > Fe, Mn and Pb containing oxides. The proposed factors contributing to the electrocatalysis are mainly divided into two divisions: one is the electron transfer and the other is the strength of M-O. The work function is proposed to be another important factor for the electrocatalysis, and its influence on the electrocatalysis is also discussed.