Metal-atom-doped W18O49 nanowires for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline medium

•The Co-W18O49 nanowires were designed as OER electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline medium.•The incorporation of Co atoms can effectively modulate localized charge distribution of Co-W18O49 nanowires.•The high-spin state of Co3+ cations is benefited for the optimization of bonding strength between Co sites and the adsorbed oxygen species.