Energy and fuels from electrochemical interfaces

Abstract

Advances in electrocatalysis at solid-liquid interfaces are vital for driving the technological innovations that are needed to deliver reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly energy. Here, we highlight the key achievements in the development of new materials for efficient hydrogen and oxygen production in electrolysers and, in reverse, their use in fuel cells. A key issue addressed here is the degree to which the fundamental understanding of the synergy between covalent and non-covalent interactions can form the basis for any predictive ability in tailor-making real-world catalysts. Common descriptors such as the substrate-hydroxide binding energy and the interactions in the double layer between hydroxide-oxides and H---OH are found to control individual parts of the hydrogen and oxygen electrochemistry that govern the efficiency of water-based energy conversion and storage systems. Links between aqueous- and organic-based environments are also established, encouraging the 'fuel cell' and 'battery' communities to move forward together.

Chemical Recognition of Active Oxygen Species on the Surface of Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts

“…For that, we alleviate the difficulty for studying transient active species by introducing a new chemical approach. This approach is inspired by previous reports discussing the effect of hydration shell for electrocatalytic reactions23, 24 and makes use of cations showing specific interactions with active oxygen species. More specifically, we introduce tetraalkylammonium cation (TAA + ) as a chemical probe in solution and demonstrate its specific interaction with oxygen species formed upon deprotonation.…”

Electrocatalytic and Electroanalytic Investigation of Carbohydrates Oxidation on Gold-Based Nanocatalysts in Alkaline and Neutral pHs

“…19 However, the implementation is facing several fundamental and technological challenges, one of which is the efficient design of the anode catalytic materials exhibiting durable activity. Owing to their low oxidation potential compared to H 2 O, the efficiency of ECs can be much improved by oxidizing an organic compound at the anode in lieu of water molecules.…”

Recent Advances in the Use of Carbonyl Compounds as Active Components in Organic-Based Batteries

“…The world's increasing energy demand has led to the exploitation of non-renewable energy supplies such as coal, oil, natural gas etc., [1,2] which has led to the emergency problems of climate change, smog, impending exhaustion of fossils fuels, and constant threats of global warming. These have therefore resulted to a quest for a low-carbon society where intensive research efforts have been channeled towards the field of renewable energy.…”