Water electrolysis, a process for producing green hydrogen from renewable energy, plays a crucial role in the transition toward a sustainable energy landscape and the realization of the hydrogen economy. Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical step in water electrolysis and is often limited by its slow kinetics. Two main mechanisms, namely the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM), are commonly considered in the context of OER. However, designing efficient catalysts based on either the AEM or the LOM remains a topic of debate, and there is no consensus on whether activity and stability are directly related to a certain mechanism. Considering the above, we discuss the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of AEM and LOM. Additionally, we provide insights on leveraging the LOM to develop highly active and stable OER catalysts in future. For instance, it is essential to accurately differentiate between reversible and irreversible lattice oxygen redox reactions to elucidate the LOM. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for effectively activating lattice oxygen to achieve controllable steady-state exchange between lattice oxygen and an electrolyte (OH⁻ or H₂O). Additionally, we discuss the use of in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations as promising avenues for further elucidating the LOM.

水电解是一种利用可再生能源生产绿色氢的过程，在向可持续能源格局的转型和氢经济的实现中发挥着至关重要的作用。析氧反应（OER）是水电解中的关键步骤，通常因其缓慢的动力学而受到限制。 OER 中通常考虑两种主要机制，即吸附质演化机制 (AEM) 和晶格氧氧化机制 (LOM)。然而，基于AEM或LOM设计高效催化剂仍然是一个争论的话题，并且对于活性和稳定性是否与某种机制直接相关还没有达成共识。考虑到上述情况，我们讨论了AEM和LOM的特点、优点和缺点。此外，我们还提供了有关利用 LOM 开发未来高活性和稳定的 OER 催化剂的见解。例如，准确区分可逆和不可逆晶格氧氧化还原反应对于阐明 LOM 至关重要。此外，我们讨论了有效激活晶格氧以实现晶格氧和电解质（OH ^-或H ₂ O）之间可控稳态交换的策略。此外，我们还讨论了使用原位表征技术和理论计算作为进一步阐明 LOM 的有希望的途径。