Transition metal-based compounds generally undergo dynamic surface changes to form active metal (oxy)hydroxides during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, due to the core-shell structure formed by insufficient surface reconstruction and the complexity of the dynamic evolution process, understanding the origin of the catalytic performance derived from the pre-catalyst itself is a great challenge. Herein, we first reveal that a transcriptional relationship of local coordination between the pre-catalyst and the in-situ generated active species by regulating the lattice strain during phosphating with the aid of the nonequilibrium diffusion Kirkendall effect. The combination of electrochemical, ex-situ X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) and in-situ synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SR-FTIR) characterizations uncover that the variation trend of the first shell Co–O bond length in the active species is inherited from the Co–P bond length in the pre-catalyst and the shortened optimal distance of the second shell dual-Co sites is strongly correlated with the inherent OER activity. Thereby, a relation mapping to modify the coordination structure of the active species via the lattice strain of the pre-catalysts is established. This work not only provides a strategy to regulate OER performance via the lattice strain, but also sheds light on the role of the structural and compositional evolution of catalysts in activity during electrocatalytic reactions.

The development of triboelectric nanogenerators using waste materials (WM-TENGs) has gained significant attention for advancing a low-carbon economy and enhancing renewable energy utilization. However, consumer concerns about hygiene and safety hinder their acceptance in human-related applications, particularly due to fears of residual bacteria on reused materials from previous users and the potential for new bacterial growth from new users. To address these concerns, we developed an antibacterial and high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator from waste PET materials (AW-TENG). By incorporating small antibacterial polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) molecules into the PET molecular chains, the resultant material, PET-PHMG, not only retains the excellent antibacterial properties of PHMG but also exhibits significantly enhanced triboelectric properties. The PET-PHMG nanofiber based AW-TENG achieved a maximum output voltage and current of 120.2V and 2.9 μA, while demonstrating effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The corresponding charge density of 22.1nC/cm² stands out as one of the highest among WM-TENGs. Given these attractive characteristics, the AW-TENG is well-suited for applications such as self-powered pressure sensors and fire alarm systems. This study highlights the advanced utilization of discarded PET-derived antibacterial material in TENG technology, which can effectively foster public confidence in the use of wasted materials.