Support Effects in Electrocatalysis and Their Synchrotron Radiation-Based Characterizations

Abstract

Electrocatalysis is recognized as a significant process for energy conversion. In fact, numerous factors, including the variable electronic structure of electrocatalysts, rich intermediates, and mutable active phases, have important but complex influences on the catalytic process. In addition, the support of electrocatalysts is considered as one of key factors that correlate to the final catalytic performance. In this Perspective, some recent advances regarding the support effects in electrocatalysis are briefly summarized. Synchrotron radiation-based characterizations are introduced to reveal the support-induced modulation in electrocatalysts. Recent in situ/operando studies are emphasized for better understanding of the real interaction between catalysts and support, together with visualizing the dynamic catalytic process. Some perspectives are proposed that may accelerate more attention being given to the support’s optimization for future practical applications.

Boosting Urea Electrooxidation Activity of Ni5P4 by Vanadium Doping for Urea-Assisted Renewable Energy Conversion Devices

“…During the UOR process, plenty of N 2 bubbles were generated from the surface of the catalysts, covered the active sites, and impacted the bonding strength between carbon cloth and the catalysts, which decreased the current density. As the reaction proceeded, the deeper layer of the catalyst was exposed; more active sites were then generated, resulting in an increase in performance. , Moreover, the multi-current step test was also carried out at various current densities (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mA cm –2 ) for a total of 21 h (3 h at each current density). As can be seen from the inset of Figure e, V 10% -Ni 5 P 4 exhibits very stable performance at low current densities (10, 20, 40, and 60 mA cm –2 ) but fluctuates less at high current densities (80 and 100 mA cm –2 ) because of the generation of large number of bubbles.…”

Self-supported electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

“…For instance, ex situ and in situ synchrotron radiation-based characterizations can study the electronic structure, oxidation states, and coordination environment. [319][320][321] Besides, more high-resolution techniques should be rapidly and timely developed to investigate the reaction processes and the evolution of surface/interface/bulk. For instance, near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) and synchrotron radiation-based vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry (SVUV-PIMS) are useful tools to analyze the surface information under working conditions, as well as detect the active intermediates and radicals in the combustion field, respectively.…”

Applications of X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy in the Photocatalytic Conversion of Small Molecules

“…Over half a century of development, the technique of XAFS has made great achievements. Several excellent studies have summarized the construction and fabrication of various catalysts for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, as well as the description of reaction processes and pathways. ,,− Next, we will give an overview of recent applications of the XAFS technique in photocatalytic small-molecule conversion for readers to comprehend this technique sufficiently.…”