Water Oxidation, Sustainability, and the Catalyst Spin State: State of Play and Prospects

The water oxidation reaction is crucial in the fields of catalysis and sustainability. This review examines water oxidation through the lens of the catalysts’ spin state. Additionally, we delve into the quantum mechanical entanglement of the catalysts’ essential components and suggest exploring the connection between catalytic activity, spin state, and entanglement more broadly. This perspective could open new pathways for designing catalysts, not only for water oxidation but also for other significant reactions in sustainable chemistry.