{"title":"A Review on Recent Advances in Carbon-Based Catalysts for Alcohol Electro-Oxidation","authors":"Mohammad Bagher Askari , Parisa Salarizadeh , Sadegh Azizi , Mohsen Shojaeifar , Milad Sani , Naser Jahanbakhshi Zadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2026.108113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2026.108113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating global demand for sustainable energy technologies has driven significant interest in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) as efficient power sources. However, their widespread commercialization is hindered by the reliance on expensive platinum-group metal (PGM) catalysts, which suffer from high cost, susceptibility to CO poisoning, and limited stability. This creates a critical knowledge gap: the urgent need for developing high-performance, cost-effective, and durable catalytic systems that can efficiently facilitate the alcohol electro-oxidation reaction (AOR). This review addresses this gap by comprehensively examining the recent advances in carbon-based materials as transformative catalyst supports and PGM-free alternatives for AOR. The fundamental premise is that carbon nanostructures such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and heteroatom-doped carbons offer a uniquely tunable platform. Their exceptional conductivity, high surface area, and versatile functionalization capabilities make them ideal for enhancing catalytic performance. We explore how the strategic integration of noble and transition metals with these carbon supports can create synergistic effects, significantly boosting catalytic activity, improving durability, and enhancing resistance to CO intermediate poisoning. By moving beyond conventional PGM catalysts, this review provides a roadmap for designing next-generation electrocatalysts. It highlights how advanced engineering of carbon supports and hybrid nanostructures can optimize catalyst performance, paving the way for more economically viable and efficient energy conversion devices. Ultimately, this body of work not only consolidates critical recent breakthroughs but also charts a course for developing sustainable catalytic systems crucial for the future of renewable energy technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 108113"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perovskite air electrodes for reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells: Architecture design and degradation mitigation","authors":"Hua Zhang, Xiaochao Xin, Shurui Li, Siyi Qin, Xuezhen OuYang, Chao Liu, Yifan Jiang, Weisheng Zhong, Yuansong Luo, Weijie Ni, Yangyang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2026.108123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2026.108123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells (R-PCECs) have emerged as a cutting-edge technology for efficient energy storage and conversion, boasting distinct advantages in fuel flexibility, high energy efficiency, and low operating temperatures compared to traditional solid oxide devices. This review centers on the critical role of air electrodes in R-PCECs, delving into the design principles of multifunctional air electrode architectures and strategies for mitigating degradation mechanisms. It commences by outlining the fundamental working principles of R-PCECs in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal functions of air electrodes in facilitating oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Subsequently, it systematically elaborates on various advanced air electrode designs, encompassing composite electrode structures, perovskite optimization strategies, and defect-mediated performance enhancement techniques. Additionally, the paper analyzes key degradation pathways such as pollutant-induced failure and structural deterioration, and presents corresponding mitigation approaches involving material engineering, operational parameter optimization, and surface modification. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions in the development of high-performance, durable air electrodes for R-PCECs are highlighted, aiming to guide the advancement of this transformative energy technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 108123"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147398534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ning Wu , Junhao Wang , Jinxi Bao , Haiting Shi , Xianyan Wu , Feng Tian , Bo Zhu , Zhiwei Xu
{"title":"Lithium deposition-guided pore stabilization in bioprotein separators: Insights from synchrotron radiation ultra-small angle X-ray scattering evidence","authors":"Ning Wu , Junhao Wang , Jinxi Bao , Haiting Shi , Xianyan Wu , Feng Tian , Bo Zhu , Zhiwei Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioproteins have been demonstrated as effective modifiers for lithium anode interfaces due to their abundant functional group structures and porous architectures with high specific surface areas. However, the relationship between the evolution of pore structure and lithium ions (Li<sup>+</sup>) transport during battery cycling remains unclear. In this study, we propose that the abundant functional group sites on the protein surface can interact with the pores to homogenize the deposition of Li<sup>+</sup>, while the uniform deposition of Li<sup>+</sup> is synergistically coupled with the stabilization of the porous structure through this reorganization process. To investigate the structural evolution of the separator's pore architecture during cycling, we integrated a silk fibroin (SF) network with commercial PP separators and performed ex situ characterization using synchrotron radiation ultra small angle X-ray scattering (SR-USAXS) at different cycling intervals. The results indicate that the integrity of the pore structure remains uncompromised, correlating with effective suppression of lithium dendrite growth. SR-USAXS analysis further reveals the underlying mechanism: the SF modified layer undergoes a subtle, electrochemically induced structural reorganization. This process leads to a stabilization of the nanoporous framework, which is essential for maintaining uniform ion transport. This work highlights the critical role of protein-modified porous architectures in electrolyte modification and cycling stability for lithium metal batteries, while providing insights for developing bioprotein-based electrolyte separators.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 108103"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A novel electrochemical deposition of copper conductor on flexible printed circuit boards","authors":"Wen Hsi Lee , Yi-Xue Chen , Hao Han Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study employs a screen-printed aluminum paste to form electrode patterns on a substrate. Subsequently, a galvanic displacement reaction is utilized to replace the surface of the printed aluminum electrode with a copper seed layer. Finally, copper electroplating is performed to deposit copper onto the seed layer. This innovative additive aluminum-displacement-plus-electroplating process utilizes upward electroplating from the displacement-formed copper seed layer to enhance the electrical properties and smoothness of the copper conductor, while the downward electroplating strengthens the mechanical properties of the copper conductors.</div><div>To ensure the complete conversion of the printed aluminum electrodes into copper electrodes, crystalline copper sulfate powder is incorporated into the aluminum paste. After 20 min of displacement followed by 30 min of electroplating, the internal aluminum is fully converted into copper, producing a copper layer approximately 100 μm thick. The resulting copper exhibits a resistivity of 2 × 10<sup>−8</sup> Ω·m.</div><div>Compared with conventional subtractive copper foil conductor processes, this method achieves comparable mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties. Furthermore, the simplified process reduces material waste and supports the pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 108090"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xuemei Wang , Qingdong Zhong , Yongle Xie , Shujian Zhang , Bin Xie , Lan Ma , Yucheng Yu
{"title":"Mechanistic investigation of localized electrochemical corrosion in defective regions of CuNi alloys under dynamic marine environment using a φ0.1 mm wire beam electrode","authors":"Xuemei Wang , Qingdong Zhong , Yongle Xie , Shujian Zhang , Bin Xie , Lan Ma , Yucheng Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, wire beam electrode technology, combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface morphology analysis, was employed to systematically investigate the localized corrosion behavior of depressed and protrusion defects on B18 Cu<img>Ni alloy in a dynamic 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The results demonstrate that the lowest region of the depressed defect and its upstream side exhibit intense anodic dissolution due to enhanced turbulent mass transfer and cl<sup>−</sup> enrichment, with the local corrosion intensity index reaching 0.35 within 24 h. Vortex impacts induced by fluid separation on the downstream side of convex defects lead to greater corrosion depth compared to the top region. Compared with the protrusion defect features, upstream side beneath the depressed features exhibits a higher density of localized anodic sites and larger current values. This observation confirms that samples with shallower defect depths tend to experience more pronounced radial deepening. EIS and surface roughness analyses further reveal that shear forces disrupt the dynamic evolution of the double-layer structure of corrosion product films. Collectively, these findings elucidate the local corrosion mechanisms under the synergistic influence of dynamic interference and electrochemical processes</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 108101"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Next-generation CoMoS3/carbon sphere nanoflower catalyst for sustainable hydrogen production through urea oxidation-assisted water electrolysis","authors":"Neshanth Vadivel , Mani Govindasamy , Arun Prasad Murthy , Chih-Yu Kuo","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Development of effective and economical electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is of particular importance in sustainable energy policies. In this study, we present a novel cobalt molybdenum sulphide/carbon sphere (CoMoS<sub>3</sub>/CS) nanoflower synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process that has a high electrochemically active surface area and dense catalytic sites. The CoMoS<sub>3</sub>/CS rose-like nanoflower catalyst has excellent trifunctional activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR). It shows a low HER overpotential of 93 mV at 10 mA cm<sup><img>2</sup>, superior to that of CoS/CS (143 mV) and CS (242 mV). For UOR, the oxidation potential is 1.33 V vs. RHE with a Tafel slope of 49 mV dec<sup><img>1</sup> and an OER oxidation potential of 1.67 V with a Tafel slope of 64 mV dec<sup><img>1</sup>. Both HER and UOR long-term electrochemical stability was established through chronoamperometry and voltammetry tests with little performance loss. In a hybrid water electrolysis configuration (HER || UOR), the catalyst facilitated effective hydrogen production with significantly lower cell voltage of 1.46 V compared to conventional HER || OER system. The incorporation of carbon spheres in this nanostructured catalyst improved the active surface area and facilitated synergistic interactions resulting in high catalytic activity, and durability. This study emphasizes the design of next generation electrocatalysts for hybrid water electrolysis to produce sustainable hydrogen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 108102"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shakeel Ahmad , Jinsong Tao , Rahat Ali , Yigang He , Yong Gu , Qing Liu
{"title":"Voltage optimization strategy to reduce electric field non-uniformity and improve efficiency in electrodialysis systems","authors":"Shakeel Ahmad , Jinsong Tao , Rahat Ali , Yigang He , Yong Gu , Qing Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108104","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108104","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrodialysis (ED) is a membrane-based water treatment technology that uses electricity to move ions through ion exchange membranes (IEMs) for desalination and ionic purification. Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and cation exchange membranes (CEMs) are commonly used in this process. However, the local differences in ion concentration distributions caused by the permeability of the IEM in ED systems lead to the emergence of secondary electrical fields (SEFs). This results in an increase in the local electric field strength, which degrades the efficiency of ED. This study traces the mechanism that creates non-uniformity due to SEF and derives an equation for the distribution properties governing the SEF. Field experiments and simulations were conducted to quantitatively assess the influence of the applied voltage on the performance of the ED process. In addition, the effects of various pulsed electric field (PEF) modes on electric field distribution and overall separation efficiency were investigated. Simulation results indicate that increasing the applied voltage promotes ion accumulation at membrane interfaces and strengthens the SEF. This results in increased non-uniformity in the electric field distribution, ultimately reducing the efficiency. Furthermore, field experiments confirm that the non-uniformity induced by the SEF in the ED system can be reduced by using PEF, thus improving ED efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 108104"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Leaching and sequential electrowinning of cu and Sn from silicon solar modules","authors":"R. Adcock , T. Chen , N. Click , M. Tao","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal separation and recovery are a key aspect of silicon solar module recycling. This paper provides a fundamental understanding of the leaching and electrowinning in hydrochloric acid of two critical metals in silicon solar cells: copper and tin. A leaching model for solder-coated copper wires was developed to reveal rate orders with respect to concentrations of leaching agents and stirring. Kinetic parameters for electrowinning of copper and tin were determined through Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine redox potentials of copper and tin allowing their electrochemical separation. Finally high recovery rates and high metal purity, both over 99 %, were achieved for copper and tin through sequential electrowinning. Hydrochloric acid leaching and sequential electrowinning provide a simple and effective option for the recovery of copper and tin from silicon solar modules.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 108088"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rana Said , Munthar Kadhim Abosaoda , Nathier Abas Ibrahim , M.M. Rekha , Subhashree Ray , Kattela Chennakesavulu , Renu Sharma , Atreyi Pramanik , Gurumurthy Ramaiah
{"title":"Navigating the complexities of electrocatalytic water splitting: a critical examination of pitfalls and considerations in performance evaluation","authors":"Rana Said , Munthar Kadhim Abosaoda , Nathier Abas Ibrahim , M.M. Rekha , Subhashree Ray , Kattela Chennakesavulu , Renu Sharma , Atreyi Pramanik , Gurumurthy Ramaiah","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite the rapid rise of electrocatalysis research, notably in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER), the discipline is still plagued by discrepancies in testing, data reporting, and performance benchmarking. This review examines the most important but sometimes ignored factors influencing catalyst performance, ranging from electrode preparation and electrolyte contaminants to the complexities of Tafel slope extraction and Faradaic efficiency measurement. This review critically examines the limitations of frequently used metrics, including overpotential, electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and Tafel slopes, and demonstrates how uncontrollable variables can significantly distort reported activity. This study emphasizes the critical need for standardization by comparing normalization methods (geometric area, catalyst mass, and ECSA-based), as well as investigating how electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, double-layer capacitance, and product selectivity measurements are frequently misapplied or misinterpreted. We also highlight the worrying absence of raw data sharing and reproducibility in the literature, which impedes meaningful comparison and slows technological advancement. Finally, we offer a thorough checklist and protocols to build a universal benchmarking technique. This assessment, which highlights both technological insights and systemic obstacles, serves as a road map for a more transparent, reliable, and expedited electrocatalysis discovery process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 108094"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145732951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lea Seeger, Renate Lobnig, Claudia Schöberl, Stephan Appel
{"title":"Droplet corrosion of steel with simulated atmospheric dust from mixtures of ammonium salts","authors":"Lea Seeger, Renate Lobnig, Claudia Schöberl, Stephan Appel","doi":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The corrosion of steel with 100 μl droplets of 0.171 M solutions of various ammonium salts and their mixtures, simulating atmospheric dust, is compared to corrosion with NaCl.</div><div>The key methods are in-situ optical monitoring in a self-built air-conditioned observation chamber and under a microscope with humidity-control, as well as the determination of corrosion products and their crystallite sizes ex-situ using XRD.</div><div>The cations, Na<sup>+</sup> or NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> influence the width of the cathodic zone of the droplet and the occurrence of secondary spreading through the pH value of the resulting hydroxide solution in the cathodic zone.</div><div>Anions influence the resulting type of corrosion products, assumingly by incorporation in the intermediate product green rust. With Cl<sup>−</sup> anions the detected corrosion product was γ-FeOOH, with SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup> anions additionally α-FeOOH forms. Immediately after droplet application NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> has a passivating effect, but as soon as active corrosion begins, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> actually accelerates it. The rapid corrosion with NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> was assumed to be the reason for smaller crystallite sizes of the main corrosion product γ-FeOOH.</div><div>The mixture of the three anions Cl<sup>−</sup>, SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>, as found in atmospheric dust, leads to a synergistic effect. The aggressive anions Cl<sup>−</sup> and SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup> suppress the passivating effect of NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>anions leading to accelerated corrosion and the formation of a thick layer of magnetite, which do not form with single salt solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":304,"journal":{"name":"Electrochemistry Communications","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 108092"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145732950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}