Deciphering Water Oxidation Catalysts: The Dominant Role of Surface Chemistry over Reconstruction Degree in Activity Promotion

Demonstrate that the key factor to determine the activity of reconstructed surfaces is the surface chemistry, instead of reconstruction degree using the popular perovskite LaNi 1-x Fe x O 3 oxides as model materials. Fe content can influence both the surface reconstruction degree, the activation degree, and the activity of reconstructed surfaces. The oxygen evolution reaction activity of reconstructed catalysts is primarily governed by the chemistry of the reconstructed surface species.