Dynamic restructuring of electrocatalysts in the activation of small molecules: challenges and opportunities

Electrochemical activation of small molecules plays an essential role in sustainable electrosynthesis, environmental technologies, energy storage and conversion. The dynamic structural changes of catalysts during the course of electrochemical reactions pose challenges in the study of reaction kinetics and the design of potent catalysts. This short review aims to provide a balanced view of in situ restructuring of electrocatalysts, including its fundamental thermodynamic origins and how these compare to those in thermal and photocatalysis, and highlighting both the positive and negative impacts of in situ restructuring on the electrocatalyst performance. To this end, examples of in situ electrocatalyst restructuring within a focused scope of reactions (i.e. electrochemical CO₂ reduction, hydrogen evolution, oxygen reduction and evolution, and dinitrogen and nitrate reduction) are used to demonstrate how restructuring can benefit or adversely affect the desired process outcome. Prospects of manipulating in situ restructuring towards an energy-efficient and durable electrocatalytic process are discussed. The practicality of pulse electrolysis on an industrial scale is questioned, and the need for genius schemes, such as self-healing catalysis, is emphasized.