Unlocking the power of ions toward enhanced electrocatalysis
image: Recent advances in exploring the ion effects on electrocatalytic reactions: hierarchical ion structure, ion-intermediate interaction, and ion coordination.
Credit: ©Science China Press
This feature article is led by Prof. Ming Gong (Department of Chemistry, Fudan University), presents a comprehensive summary of the latest progresses made by his research group in exploring the effects of ions on electrocatalytic reactions. The review also outlines the current challenges and opportunities in ion effect research, offering valuable insights into future research directions.
Electrocatalysis plays a crucial role in advancing energy conversion and storage technologies. While the development of advanced electrocatalysts has garnered significant attention, the exploration of ion effects in electrocatalytic processes has emerged as an increasingly important research area. Despite significant progress in this field, challenges remain in understanding the complex mechanisms of ion effects and uncovering their generality.
This feature article summarized the team's recent advancements in investigating ion effects on electrocatalytic reactions, focusing on three major systems: (1) synergistic neutral water oxidation mediated by multistage borate and fluoride anions; (2) cation-intermediate interactions that control glycerol oxidation selectivity; and (3) cation coordination that delays catechol polymerization and promotes selective ring C-C cleavage. These findings not only deepen the understanding of ion effects in specific non-covalent interactions but also reveal the potential of fine-tuning the electrode-electrolyte interface to enhance electrocatalytic performance. Following a summary of these discoveries, the review outlines the current challenges and opportunities in ion effect research and provides insights into future research directions.
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Unlocking the power of ions toward enhanced electrocatalysis