The aim of present investigation is to theoretically identify parameters which are the root reason for differentiation of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on two different pathways with formation on oxide electrode materials either OH- or HO2- ions. Theoretical analysis of the ORR data on cobalt and nickel oxides was performed. New original ORR mechanism was proposed. The mechanism is based on a concept of multistage electrochemical process with a slow chemical reaction stage. Triad of requirements describing properties of electrode materials which fully determine pathways of ORR was formulated. On a specific electrode material ORR proceeds with formation of OH- ions when three following requirements are simultaneously fulfilled. First, oxide or hydroxide with atoms, which could change an effective positive charge as a result of electrochemical process, shall be present on electrode material surface at ORR range of potentials. Second, the electrode material shall have a surface crystal structure which allows formation of oxygen molecule "bridge" between two surface atoms with effective positive charge (the "bridged" chemical structure may be described as a surface binuclear oxide nanocluster). Third, electrochemical potential of transfer of oxide atoms with effective positive charge from oxidized to reduced state shall be more positive than the potential of formation of HO2- ions. Analysis of structure of Co3O4, NiCo2O4 and Co3O4-Li2O oxides indicated that on these oxides all three requirements are fulfilled. Therefore on Co3O4, Co3O4-Li2O and NiCo2O4 electrodes ORR proceeds via pathway with formation of OH- ions. On NiO and NiO-Li2O oxides only first and second requirements are fulfilled. Therefore ORR proceeds with formation of HO2- ions. The triad of requirements formulated in a course of analysis of ORR on oxide electrodes was successfully used in cases with single-crystal Pt and Au electrodes. On Pt and Au (1 0 0) electrodes all three requirements are fulfilled, therefore ORR proceeds via pathway with formation of OH- ions. On Au (1 1 1) and Au (1 1 0) electrodes the first condition is not fulfilled, therefore on such electrodes HO2- ions are formed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.