A review on solid-solid heterogeneous interfacial interactions in electrocatalytic conversion of inorganic molecules.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Solid-solid interfaces are ubiquitous in electrocatalyst synthesis, electrode preparation, and electrochemical cycling.
• Understanding these interfaces is crucial for optimizing electrocatalytic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review solid-solid interfaces in porous electrodes for electrocatalysis.
• To introduce a concept of specific interfacial area for meso-scale interaction evaluation.
• To compare micro-scale van der Waals and covalent interfaces for electrocatalytic efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on solid-solid interfaces in electrocatalysis.
• Proposal of a specific interfacial area index.
• Comparative analysis of van der Waals and covalent interfaces.
• Discussion of interfacial electron delocalization effects.

Main Results:

• A specific interfacial area concept is proposed to quantify meso-scale solid-solid interactions.
• Van der Waals and covalent interfaces exhibit different efficiencies in electrocatalysis.
• Guidelines for constructing efficient and stable heterogeneous interfaces are provided.
• Interfacial electron delocalization influences active site electronic structure and catalytic activity.

Conclusions:

• Solid-solid heterogeneous interfaces play a critical role in regulating electrocatalysis efficiency.
• Strategic design of these interfaces can enhance electron transfer and catalytic stability.
• Further research into interfacial phenomena is essential for advancing electrocatalysis.