Chiral Inorganic Nanomaterials for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represents a significant kinetic bottleneck in sustainable energy conversion due to its complex multi-step electron transfer process. Spin manipulation has recently emerged as a promising strategy to overcome traditional catalytic scaling relationships. However, the commonly used ferromagnetic materials or external magnetic fields suffer from practical limitations including material constraints and high energy consumption. The chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect in chiral inorganic nanomaterials with high stability, conductivity, and exceptional chiroptical properties offers a groundbreaking alternative by enabling spin polarization without the need for external magnetic fields. This review systematically examines the application of chiral inorganic nanomaterials for improving OER efficiency via the CISS effect. The fundamental principles of CISS and its influence on OER kinetics are discussed. Recent experimental advances highlighting the enhanced catalytic performance are analyzed. Future research directions and challenges in leveraging chirality and spin as key design principles for next-generation OER electrocatalysts are highlighted.