External Field Driven Oxygen Reduction Reaction: From Catalytic Chemistry, Mechanistic Characterization to Device Applications

ABSTRACT The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) serves as the cornerstone of next‐generation energy conversion technologies, including zinc‐air batteries, electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, its intrinsically sluggish kinetics remains a critical bottleneck limiting device performance. This review work systematically examines the recent frontier advances in the development of advanced ORR electrocatalysts, aiming to construct a cross‐scale framework spanning from atomic‐level design to macroscopic device integration. First, this review focuses on atomic‐level catalyst design strategies, elaborating how approaches such as Cheteroatom coordination, construction of heteronuclear dual‐atom sites, and coupling of single atoms with clusters/nanoparticles can break the symmetry limitations of conventional M‐N 4 configurations. Second, the mechanism of enhanced external field coupling and how the external fields (light and magnetism, etc.) synergistically accelerate the ORR process are explored. Finally, this review summarizes the integration and application outcomes of advanced catalysts in zinc–air batteries, electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Despite significant progress, the commercialization of these catalysts still faces the challenge of balancing activity and stability. Future research should focus on electrode mass transport engineering, multi‐field coupling integration, and data‐driven research paradigms to promote the practical application of high‐performance ORR electrocatalysts.