Detangling Catalyst Modification Reactions from the Oxygen Evolution Reaction by Online Mass Spectrometry

Here we showcase the synthesis and catalytic response of the anionic iridium­(III) complex [IrCl3(pic)­(MeOH)]− ([1]−, pic = picolinate) toward the evolution of oxygen. Online electrochemical mass spectrometry experiments illustrate that an initial burst of CO2 due to catalyst degradation is expelled before the oxygen evolution reaction commences. Electrochemical features and XPS analysis illustrate the presence of iridium oxide, which is the true active species.