Electrocatalysis Fundamentals for OER and HER

This chapter provides an extensive review of the fundamental principles underlying electrocatalysis in the context of electrochemical water splitting, focusing on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It encompasses crucial topics in this field, including hydrogen production technologies, the electrochemical mechanism of water electrolysis for OER and HER, and the coupling of O–O and H–H on active sites, considering spin and d-band theory for OER and HER. Furthermore, the chapter investigates the thermodynamics of electrochemical water splitting, presenting a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of these crucial reactions. This chapter endeavors to offer readers a robust basis in understanding the fundamental mechanisms and principles involved in electrocatalysis for OER and HER.