Built-in electric field and extra electric filed in oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Developing new green energy storage and conversion technologies is an important approach to solving energy problems. In this regard, both water splitting and rechargeable metal-air batteries have certain research value. However, their development is hindered by the slow rate of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Introducing catalysts is an effective method to accelerate OER. Therefore, improving catalysts becomes a key issue. The built-in electric field has attracted attention due to its simple construction and ability to enhance efficiency. This work provides a detailed explanation of the generation, role, proof methods, and improve strategy of the built-in electric field. Expect to strategies for improving catalysts themselves, the application of extra fields has also gained widespread attention, such as photo fields, magnetic fields, and acoustic fields. The electric field, due to its ease of operation and wide applicability, has been utilized by many researchers. However, a systematic analysis of the effects of extra electric fields has not been conducted so far. Based on recent reports, this work provides a detailed analysis of the effects of extra electric field. In the end, this article also analyzes the main challenges in the development of electric fields and potential research directions in the future.