Electronic structure effects on catalytic water oxidation activity by layered manganese oxide phases

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) from oxidation of water or hydroxide to dioxygen remains the most challenging part of solar water splitting. Inexpensive, robust, efficient catalysts for chemical and electrochemical OER are sought. We have been exploring the mineral phase birnessite (layered KnMnO2) for this reaction, as it shows significant variability in its activity based