Fig. 6: DFT calculations to reveal the advantages of the OPM path in LaIr-Co3O4.

Schematic illustration of OER mechanisms: a AEM, b LOM, and c OPM. PDOS and d-band center of Ir 4 d for d Ir-Co3O4 (−2.358 eV) and e LaIr-Co3O4 (−2.339 eV). f Free energy diagrams of different OER pathways on the LaIr-Co3O4 (311) surface at U = 1.23 V vs. RHE. g Comparison of the reaction free energy for the RDS of different catalytic pathways on LaIr-Co3O4 and Ir-Co3O4 (311) surfaces.