Bioinspired electrode design for enhancing gas-involving electrochemical reactions: fundamentals, advances, and perspectives.

Abstract

In electrochemical multiphase interactions, the regulation of gas behavior is of great significance, and gas-involving electrochemical reactions (such as gas-evolution reactions and gas-consumption reactions) are pivotal for green energy conversion. However, these reactions are often constrained by bubble-related issues, which shield active sites, increase ohmic resistance, and limit the mass transfer of reactants and products. Bioinspired surface engineering, which modulates bubble behavior through the rational design of functional interfaces, provides an efficient strategy for resolving these aforementioned issues. This review systematically demonstrates how bioinspired surface engineering enhances the performance of gas-involving electrochemical reactions via optimized bubble management. First, we elucidate the fundamental principles of bubble dynamics and their direct impact on reaction efficiency. Subsequently, we explore diverse electrode design strategies derived from biological prototypes, including the development of superaerophilic, superaerophobic, wettability-heterogeneous, and geometry-gradient architectures. Finally, we highlight current challenges and outline future opportunities in this field, aiming to provide both theoretical frameworks and technical guidelines for the advanced design of high-efficiency electrodes.