Heterogeneous electrocatalysis goes chemical

Despite over a century of research to understand heterogeneous electrocatalysis, the precise mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Now, it is proposed that the oxygen evolution reaction on IrOx is driven by changes in the redox state of the Ir-O active sites, rather than by changes in the interfacial electric field.

Automated summary

After a century of research on heterogeneous electrocatalysis, the specific mechanisms involved, particularly in the oxygen evolution reaction on IrOx, are still not fully understood. A new proposal suggests that the reaction is driven by changes in the redox state of the Ir-O active sites rather than changes in the interfacial electric field.