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Developing a robust, cost-effective, and user-friendly sensor for monitoring molecular oxygen (O 2 ) ranging from a minute to a medically relevant level (85–100%) in a stream of flowing breathable gas is vital in various industrial domains. Here, we report an innovative application of the cobalt( l -histidine) 2 complex, a bioinspired model of O 2 -carrying metalloproteins, for rapid and reliable sensing of O 2 from 0 to 100% saturation levels under realistic conditions. We have established two distinct colorimetric O 2 detection techniques, which can be executed with the use of a common smartphone camera and readily available color-detecting software. A series of spectroscopic experiments were performed to demonstrate the molecular-level alteration in cobalt( l -histidine) 2 following its exposure to oxygen, leading to an exclusive pink-to-brown color change. Therefore, this study establishes a template for designing bioinspired molecular complexes for O 2 sensing, leading to practical and straightforward solutions. This metal-amino acid complex’s broad-spectrum sensing of O 2 has widened the scope of bioinspired model complexes for divergent applications in industrial sectors.

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The proper utilization of renewable energy sources has emerged as a major challenge in our pursuit of a sustainable and carbon‐neutral energy landscape. Small molecule activation is a key component for proper utilization of renewable energy resources, where O2/H2O redox couple is reckoned a potential game changer. In this regard, electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have become the prime interest of catalyst designers. Typically, these ORR and OER electrocatalysts are developed distinctly; however, very soon, the requirement of a bidirectional ORR/OER electrocatalyst becomes obvious for practical applicability and rapid energy transduction purposes. A bidirectional catalyst is defined as a catalyst capable of driving a redox reaction in opposing directions. In this review, we have portrayed the development of enzyme structure‐inspired design of molecular bidirectional ORR/OER catalysts. The strategic incorporation of secondary and outer coordination sphere features has significantly enhanced the performance of these catalysts, which can be monitored via the key catalytic parameters. These bifunctional OER/ORR catalysts are vital for metal‐air battery and fuel cell applications and appropriately poised to lay the foundation for an efficient, economical, and eco‐friendly pathway for sustainable energy usage with the rational assembly of energy converting and storage devices.