Rare earth oxide based electrocatalysts: synthesis, properties and applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Rare earths (REs) possess unique 4f electron properties beneficial for catalysis.
• Rare earth oxides (REOs) offer excellent electrocatalytic performance, simple preparation, and structural variability.
• REOs enhance electron transfer, reducing energy barriers in electrocatalytic reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advances in REO-based electrocatalysis.
• To summarize the synthesis, properties, and applications of REO-based nanocatalysts.
• To discuss the catalytic mechanisms of REs in various electrocatalytic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of REO-based electrocatalysts.
• Analysis of synthesis methods and characterization of REO properties.
• Detailed examination of REO applications in key electrocatalytic reactions.

Main Results:

• REO-based electrocatalysts show high performance in hydrogen evolution (HER), oxygen evolution (OER), hydrogen oxidation (HOR), oxygen reduction (ORR), CO2 reduction (CO2RR), methanol oxidation (MOR), and nitrogen reduction (NRR).
• Unique electronic structures of REs facilitate electron transfer and lower reaction energy barriers.
• REO nanocatalysts exhibit significant potential due to their tunable properties.

Conclusions:

• REO-based nanomaterials are highly effective electrocatalysts for a wide range of reactions.
• Further research into REO catalytic mechanisms and applications is warranted.
• REO-based materials offer promising prospects for future electrocatalytic technologies.