{"title":"Determination of the reaction orders for electrode reactions","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101597","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101597","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Information of reaction orders is prerequisite in unveiling the mechanism(s) of complex electrocatalytic reactions, which is of great help in benchmarking the intrinsic electrocatalytic performance and in establishing the structure–activity relationship. However, electrochemical reaction orders for only few electrocatalytic reactions have hitherto been unambiguously quantified, due to the complexities of the reaction themselves and the complexities of interfacial environments. The apparent reaction orders may depend on the coverage of the adsorbed reactant, reactive intermediates at the electrode interface, their adsorption behavior, the occurrence of parallel pathways as well as existence pre or postchemical reactions. In this short review, theories and methods used for determination of the reaction orders for electrode reactions are summarized and exemplified by taking hydrogen evolution/oxidation reaction (HER/HOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) under rotating disk electrode configuration as model reactions. Frequently encountered challenges in accurate determination the reaction orders for complex electrocatalytic reactions are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142528394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Electrochemical systems for renewable energy conversion and storage: Focus on flow batteries and regenerative fuel cells","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101596","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101596","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, energy storage solutions capable of providing long-duration, large-scale storage will be critical. Flow batteries and regenerative fuel cells have the potential to play a pivotal role in this transformation by enabling greater integration of variable renewable generation and providing resilient, grid-scale energy storage. This review provides an overview of the working principles of flow batteries and regenerative fuel cells mediated by ammonia, including the hardware, electrochemical reactions, and general performance. The recent advances in flow batteries are highlighted, covering the electrode design and modifications as well as electrolyte design and innovations. The recent advances in regenerative fuel cells are also discussed, focusing on membrane electrode assembly construction and system optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142528392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancements in ordered membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for water electrolysis","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers exhibit superior efficiency and produce higher purity hydrogen compared to traditional alkaline water electrolyzers due to their membrane electrode assembly (MEA) design. However, random structures presented in current MEA designs introduce significant transport resistance for electrons and mass (ion, gas and liquid), consequently degrading the overall performance of electrolyzes. In contrast, ordered MEA structures are characterized by well-defined arrangements of pores, channels or pathways within catalyst layers (CLs), porous transport layers (PTLs), and ion exchange membranes (IEMs). These ordered configurations facilitate efficient highways for the transfer of electrons and mass. Recent diverse ordered MEA designs have demonstrated significant improvements in overall electrochemical efficiency in both PEM and AEM water electrolyzers. In this review, we will examine recent advancements in ordered MEA designs for water electrolyzers focusing on innovations in fabrication methods and interface morphologies, as well as their electrolysis performance. This review may provide comprehensive guidelines for designing ordered MEAs for both PEM and AEM electrolyzers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142528393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial protective layers of zinc metal anodes for reversible aqueous zinc ion batteries","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are ideal candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies because they possess satisfactory safety, environmental friendliness, natural abundance, high theoretical specific capacity, and suitable redox potential. However, AZIBs are suffering serious anode issues, which limit their practical applications. To overcome these problems, architecting artificial protective layer (APL) on zinc metal is one of common modification strategies, which can effectively surpass the side reactions and dendrite generation by the designed functional coverings. In this review, we discuss the different materials applied in the APL and the corresponding specific working mechanism for anode optimization, as well as the challenges and perspectives of the strategies for APLs. The review aims at providing general principles and suggestions on the development of advanced anodes for AZIBs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142445294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The chemical effect of a selenium atom on the catalytic site of precious metals","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transition metal selenides constitute a family of materials used for multi-electron charge transfer reactions (e.g. hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction) in which activity, selectivity, and tolerance are required. Here we review the engineering of such structures focused on the selenization process of nanoparticulate precious metals supported or not on carbon. The chemical/electrochemical process of selenization proceeding through a so-called soft chemistry route, in which each species (cationic, anionic) interacts under conditions dictated by the solvent medium, is briefly described. The electronic effect of the synthesized materials subjected to the modification effects leading to undefined and/or defined phases (via chemical coordination) of the surface of the metallic atoms is reviewed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Green hydrogen from seawater electrolysis: Recent developments and future perspectives","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrochemical splitting of seawater, especially when powered by renewable energy, presents a promising avenue for generating clean hydrogen without relying on highly pre-processed water from freshwater sources. In this mini-review, we present the fundamental principles of seawater electrolysis, including reaction mechanisms and various electrolyzer configurations, while addressing challenges. The most recent advancements in the field are highlighted, focusing on design strategies for electrocatalysts with high oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction selectivity, electrolyte optimization, and membrane technologies. Additionally, the economic viability and scalability of seawater electrolysis are discussed, evaluating its feasibility for large-scale implementation. Collectively, this review offers insights into future developments and guides future research in the field, particularly in the rational design of corrosion-resistant seawater splitting technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights into electrode–electrolyte interfaces by in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fundamental insights into electrode–electrolyte interfaces are crucial for our understanding of electrochemical processes. Standard electrochemical methods, such as cyclic voltammetry, can reveal important information about the systems of interest. Nevertheless, information about structure and morphology of the electrode–electrolyte interface is not that easily accessible. <em>In situ</em> scanning tunnelling microscopy can resolve the electrode as well as the direct interface to the electrolyte in real time during electrochemical measurements. This includes changes of the electrode in the nanometre to micrometre range, for example<em>,</em> during metal deposition or corrosion, as well as the observation of ordered molecular adlayers on the electrode. In this work, we want to highlight the capabilities of such studies to better understand the fundamental processes of electrocatalysis and metal deposition and dissolution, which are essential to electrochemical energy storage systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451910324001418/pdfft?md5=b37fa382e9f43552c855d56f09779eab&pid=1-s2.0-S2451910324001418-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142167555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"On-board hydrogen production from urea via electrolysis to promote low-temperature catalytic reduction of NOx emissions","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen oxides emissions pose a significant environmental challenge, particularly in heavily industrialized, high-traffic regions. Global NO<sub>x</sub> levels continue to rise, despite various aftertreatment techniques being deployed to mitigate emission levels of combustion engine vehicles. Novel approaches to enhance NO<sub>x</sub> conversion efficiency at low exhaust temperatures (< 200 C) include integrating hydrogen and ammonia injection before selective catalytic reduction modules. Urea electrolysis presents a promising avenue for simultaneous hydrogen and ammonia production. An anion exchange membrane electrolyser emerges as a viable and low-cost solution for on-board hydrogen production, offering compact size and compatibility with existing vehicle systems. Overcoming challenges such as catalyst and component selection, electrolyte viability, and system integration remains critical for realising the full potential of electrolysis-based NO<sub>x</sub> mitigation strategies in passenger vehicles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"High entropy intermetallic compounds: A discovery platform for structure–property correlations and materials design principles in electrocatalysis","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrocatalytic properties of multi-metal materials are predominantly influenced by electronic and geometric effects related to surface and sub-surface atoms. A comprehensive understanding of these effects and their complex interplay is paramount for the efficient development of high-performance catalysts. Along with compositionally complex solid solutions (CCSS), often called high-entropy alloys (HEAs), high-entropy intermetallic compounds (HEIMCs) are an emerging class of materials with distinctive properties originating from both high-entropy alloys and intermetallic compounds. The ordered intermetallic structure is beneficial for identifying structure–property correlations of catalytic surfaces. This minireview provides a summary of the current knowledge of high entropy intermetallic compounds and their role in catalysis, with a particular focus on the key tunable parameters essential for achieving high-performance materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451910324001510/pdfft?md5=d8bd53b951901a7be46b049d00173fa0&pid=1-s2.0-S2451910324001510-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142314513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current perspectives on rational design of anode electrocatalysts exhibiting CO-tolerance for fuel cells","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Anode catalysis reduces the cost and remarkably improves the fuel cell performance; however, it is often neglected owing to its fast kinetics. Currently, the majority of hydrogen is obtained by reforming and purifying the hydrocarbons containing impurities such as CO, CO<sub>2</sub>, and H<sub>2</sub>S. CO adsorbs more strongly than hydrogen onto the anode catalysts, inhibiting hydrogen oxidation and resulting in performance degradation. Although activity enhancement is essential, impurity tolerance should be preferred over activity for fuel-cell anode catalysts. Various studies have reported improved CO tolerance via lowering the intrinsic CO adsorption energy of the catalyst by tuning the electronic structure or modulating the OH adsorption energy by placing oxophilic materials near the catalysts. Herein, we categorize recent noteworthy studies according to their strategies and present innovative design principles for CO-resistant anode catalysts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451910324001431/pdfft?md5=cf13dcdd20deb47ff48eb77562c3a9c0&pid=1-s2.0-S2451910324001431-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142256359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}