Identification of in situ generated iron‐vacancy induced oxygen evolution reaction kinetics on cobalt iron oxyhydroxide

Comprehensive Summary Developing highly efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for the practical application in water electrolyzers rechargeable metal‐air batteries. Although Fe‐based oxyhydroxides are regarded as state‐of‐the‐art non‐noble OER electrocatalysts, origin of performance enhancement derived from Fe doping still remains a hot topic considerable discussion. Herein, we demonstrate that situ generated vacancies pristine CoFeOOH catalyst through pre‐conversion process during alkaline results dynamic dissolution, identifying Fe‐vacancy‐induced enhanced kinetics. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations experimental including X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy, UV‐Vis Raman spectroscopy reveal could significantly promote d‐band center valence states adjacent Co sites, alter active site atom to atom, accelerate formation high‐valent 4+ species, reduce energy barrier potential‐determining step, thereby contribute performance. This article protected by copyright. All rights reserved.