{"title":"Amorphous crystalline heterostructure in electrocatalytic 2D platinum group metals","authors":"Soumen Dutta","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Platinum group metals (PGMs), which are widely explored for developing clean energy technologies, have also undergone extensive morphology and composition tuning to enhance catalytic efficiency. Recently, increasing focus has been placed on phase regulation, particularly in identifying amorphous materials or other unconventional phases with favorable atomic arrangements for electrocatalysis. However, amorphous materials typically suffer from poor stability and insufficient electrical conductivity. To address this, amorphous crystalline (<strong><em>ac</em></strong>)–heterophased PGM-based catalysts, especially in their two-dimensional (2D) morphologies, have been developed, balancing the benefits of both phases with abundantly distributed active sites and fast charge carriers across the hetero-interfaces, offering enhanced electrochemical activity and stability compared with their single-phase counterparts. This review examines the design of heterophased <strong>2D (<em>ac</em>)-PGMs</strong>, either through post-synthetic modification of crystalline nanosheets or via confined-growth/<em>in situ</em> amorphization. It further highlights their significant impact on electrochemical energy storage and conversion and also emphasizes the current challenges and future directions in the development of these advanced materials for energy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101653"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395434","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}
Kaíque S.G.C. Oliveira , Elisama Vieira dos Santos , Luis D. Loor-Urgilés , Amir Shabanloo , Carlos A. Martínez-Huitle
{"title":"The world impact of boron doped diamond electrodes and low-cost strategies for novel production systems for sustainable wastewater treatment","authors":"Kaíque S.G.C. Oliveira , Elisama Vieira dos Santos , Luis D. Loor-Urgilés , Amir Shabanloo , Carlos A. Martínez-Huitle","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conductive diamond films appeared as promising materials with exceptional electrochemical properties that allowed significant advances in scientific and engineering domains. Therefore, in this opinion, we have explored the world's impact of boron doped diamond electrodes regarding its use in wastewater and disinfection from the point of view of the published scientific communications, preparation methodologies and the commercialization of these materials by several companies in different countries. A brief discussion about the scientific centers and institutes that have dedicated efforts to investigate diamond electrochemistry and its applications, has been included. More specifically, an opinion about the improvements in the fabrication of novel BDD electrodes and the design and construction of small electrochemical devices with different BDD materials. Trends on electrochemical technologies, using home-built and commercial BDD electrodes in environmental applications, have been also explored. The most important low-cost strategies for novel production systems for sustainable wastewater treatment and disinfection have been summarized and described. Finally, some examples of the types and devices of use of BDD electrodes are presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101648"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143369768","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 fingerprints of the electronic band structure of two-dimensional materials","authors":"Matěj Velický","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Two-dimensional (2D) materials and their unique tunable properties have captivated scientists for two decades. Electrochemistry is a mature research field that has succeeded in tackling many of the modern scientific topics. The convergence of these two scientific disciplines has crystallized into a unique interdisciplinary field with rewarding outcomes. The topics covered by the electrochemistry of 2D materials include examination of the electrocatalytic activity at different surfaces, electrochemical tunneling through 2D layers, and charge carrier density modulation by electrolyte gating. Most recently, the prospect of observing electrochemical effects arising from the features of the electronic band structure has driven much of the research on the spectroelectrochemistry of 2D semiconductors, dual-gate control over the electrochemical reactions, and electrochemistry of moiré heterostructures. Although the investigation of these electrochemical fingerprints of the electronic band structure faces challenges related to involved sample fabrication, advanced instrumentation, and intellectual stumbling blocks, it has already unveiled the enormous potential worthy of future research efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101650"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143436692","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":"Isolated proteins in biohybrid photovoltaics: Where do we go from here?","authors":"Nahush Modak, Vincent M. Friebe, Rafał Białek","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biohybrid photovoltaics, which harness photosynthetic proteins such as reaction centers to convert light into electricity, have progressed significantly over the years. Recent efforts have focused on a deeper understanding of the underlying operational mechanisms and identifying key limitations and bottlenecks, leading to revealing poor wiring as a primary factor limiting efficiency and guiding strategies for improvement. However, despite these insights, experimental advances have only led to incremental progress, leaving critical issues unresolved and raising doubts about the viability of biohybrid photovoltaics for large-scale energy production. This ongoing performance gap highlights the need for a breakthrough to move the field forward. Nonetheless, the knowledge gained is crucial for future innovations, particularly in developing more stable, complex systems such as living-cell-based devices. Additionally, these findings suggest that biohybrid systems may be better suited for specialized applications like biosensing or driving high-value chemical production, where their unique properties can be more effectively utilized.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101647"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143310434","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}
Philip N. Bartlett , Victoria K. Greenacre , Cornelis H. de Groot , Yasir J. Noori , Gillian Reid , Shibin Thomas
{"title":"Opportunities and challenges in the application of electrodeposition to few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide electronic device fabrication","authors":"Philip N. Bartlett , Victoria K. Greenacre , Cornelis H. de Groot , Yasir J. Noori , Gillian Reid , Shibin Thomas","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are currently a hot topic in electrochemistry with a focus on their applications in electrocatalysis, energy conversion and storage, and sensors because of their high surface areas and unique properties. At the same time there is even greater interest in the field of electronics for the applications of few layer TMDCs in nanoelectronic devices including field effect transistors, memristors, photodetectors, and flexible electronics. Here we highlight the significant opportunities and challenges in the practically unexplored use of electrodeposition and electrochemical processes for the fabrication of TMDC based electronic devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101651"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158170","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":"Machine learning in electrocatalysis–Living up to the hype?","authors":"Árni Björn Höskuldsson","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The introduction of machine learning (ML) models in materials science is seen as a paradigm shift in the field. These models enable the thorough exploration of vast material spaces previously deemed beyond the reach of computational studies, thereby accelerating the materials discovery process. In theoretical electrocatalysis, ML models are primarily used as surrogates for, or to complement, more costly <em>ab initio</em> simulations to predict material properties. Herein, the effects ML has had on the field of electrocatalysis are critically reviewed, with particular focus on the degree to which actual progress has resulted from its application. Although the effectiveness of ML in exploring vast material classes is undeniable, the irrational belief in its potential has led to its excessive utilization within the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101649"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158666","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}
Yixiao Zhang , Qingdian Liao , Elena L. Gubanova , Aliaksandr S. Bandarenka
{"title":"Relationships among structure, composition, and selectivity in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate ions","authors":"Yixiao Zhang , Qingdian Liao , Elena L. Gubanova , Aliaksandr S. Bandarenka","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) is crucial in converting wastewater nitrate sources into value-added products under mild, low-cost conditions. Metals with highly occupied d-orbitals, such as Au, Ag, Cu, and Pt, are promising materials for high-performance electrocatalytic NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> reduction due to their favorable surface electronic properties. While many metals are effective catalysts for NO₃RR, their limited ability to favor specific products often hinders practical application. This short review analyzes recent understanding of the reaction mechanisms and pathways of NO₃RR, focusing on the structural and electronic effects of the catalysts such as underpotential deposition systems and single-atom catalysts on product selectivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101643"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143348011","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":"Sustainable development of electrochemical water treatment: Innovations in materials, processes, and resource recovery","authors":"Javier Llanos, Ignasi Sirés","doi":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coelec.2025.101646","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11028,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Electrochemistry","volume":"50 ","pages":"Article 101646"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158167","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}