Switching the O-O bond-formation mechanism by controlling water activity

The O-O bond-formation mechanism in water oxidation is still ambiguous even now. In this issue of Chem, Wang and co-workers prove that this mechanism on a Co-based electrocatalyst can switch from a radical coupling pathway to a water nucleophilic attack pathway when the applied potential is lifted.

Automated summary

The mechanism of O-O bond formation in water oxidation can switch from a radical coupling pathway to a water nucleophilic attack pathway on a Co-based electrocatalyst when the applied potential is lifted, as demonstrated by Wang and co-workers in a recent issue of Chem.