We describe a novel nanostructured iron oxide catalyst film electrodeposited from iron(II) triflate under mild conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure, and near-neutral solution) that can catalyze water oxidation in potassium carbonate solution. The structure, morphology, composition, and catalytic activity of the catalyst were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that nanostructured iron oxide is an active electrocatalyst for water oxidation at higher catalytic current and low overpotential. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.