Recent advances in water-splitting electrocatalysts based on manganese oxide

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of electrochemical water splitting represents a source of hydrogen (H2) energy. Precious-metal-based RuOx and IrOx are expensive and degrade in the presence of electrolyte; thus, the development of low-cost and eco-friendly OER electrocatalysts is needed. This review summarizes the recent status of the nonprecious manganese metal-oxide-based electrocatalysts with reference to nanostructure, defect engineering, hybrid composite formation, and core–shell formation to achieve efficient OER performance. In particular, we focus on the strategies used to lower the onset potential and the Tafel slope of the water oxidation process. Future prospects for the development of manganese-oxide-based electrocatalysts are discussed. Keywords: Hydrogen energy, Manganese oxide, Oxygen evolution reaction, Nanostructures, Core-shell