Revealing the Electrocatalytic Reaction Mechanism of Water Splitting by In Situ Raman Technique

Using renewable energy for water splitting to produce hydrogen is a crucial step toward achieving the dual carbon goals. However, due to the lack of a clear understanding of the precise localization of catalytic active sites and the complex structural evolution of catalysts during actual reaction conditions, there is still a challenge to reveal the electrocatalytic reaction mechanism of water splitting. In situ electrochemical Raman characterization technique can dynamically monitor the structural evolution of catalysts in real time, reveal the dynamic structure-performance relationship of catalysts during the reaction process, and explore the catalytic reaction mechanism. This paper focuses on reviewing the latest developments in in situ electrochemical Raman characterization technology in terms of active sites on catalyst surfaces, the behavior of interfacial water molecules, and the structure evolution of electrocatalysts. The future development prospect of advanced in situ electrochemical Raman technology is also prospected.