Oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Oxygen evolution reaction is evinced as one of the main rate-determining steps for clean energy production, energy security supply and therefore for the evolution of a sustainable society. The production of clean energy, the security of energy supply (autonomy) and lower cost of energy supply constitute the main key points for a sustainable future. It is known, that a sustainable future can be achieved only if the current power supply shifts to other sources than the conventional ones; with the renewable energy sources and hydrogen fuel to own a leading role. The oxygen evolution reaction mechanism in acidic and alkaline media remains a mystery even today, after so many years of research activities. Bockris in 1954 and then Bockris and Huq in 1956 were the initial founders of the oxygen evolution reaction mechanism study. Then, many mechanisms were suggested and up-to-date many materials have been studied, with the metal perovskite oxides to be the most promising candidates. When this ‘mystery’ is solved, then a big step towards a sustainable future will become. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.