This project was a step forward in electrochemically synthesizing nanomaterials for the water splitting reaction which directly produces hydrogen and oxygen. The thesis investigated the performances of newly developed nanomaterials for the energetically demanding water splitting reaction. In order to understand the reaction mechanism, thorough materials characterization was carried out to identify structure-activity relationships. This study also answers some fundamental questions such as "bifunctionality" in the field of water electrolysis. It also presents the modification of a readily available and cheap material, stainless steel, into an efficient water splitting catalyst that operates under industrial conditions.