Abstract: A method for making a catalyst comprises providing an initial compound having a perovskite lattice structure according to formula I M1M2M3O3 ??FORMULA I, where M1 is about 1 relative elemental ratio strontium (Sr); M2 is from greater than 0 to 0.7 relative elemental ratio and is selected from cobalt (Co), scandium (Sc), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and titanium (Ti); and M3 is 0.3 to 0.6 relative elemental ratio iridium (Ir). Initial exemplary compounds include SrSc0.5Ir0.5O3 (SSI) and SrCo0.5Ir0.5O3 (SCI). M1 and/or M2 cations are selectively leached from the initial compound to produce a catalyst having substantially increased catalytic performance. Cycling SSI or SCI in an acid produces SSI-H or SCI-H; cycling SSI or SCI in a base produces SSI-OH or SCI-OH. Dual-site metal leaching induced catalytic activity improvement by about 2 orders of magnitude, making reconstructed SrCo0.5Ir0.5O3 among the best-known catalysts for water oxidation in an acidic condition.