In this mechanism, the first electron transfer (E) converts the neutral polymer, N, into its reduced electron polaron state, P. The now electronically conductive polaronic state of the polymer can chemically reduce oxygen generating superoxide, O2 •-, while regenerating the neutral state of the polymer (C'). In the next step, superoxide radicals then disproportionate into O2 and hydro(gen) peroxide (D) (Figure ). We note that Step [8] corresponds to the elementary reaction considered in the DFT calculations.