Water in Electrocatalysis.

Area of Science:

• Electrocatalysis
• Clean Energy Conversion
• Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

Background:

• Water plays multiple roles in electrocatalysis, influencing mass transport, active sites, and kinetics.
• The water-electrode interface, where the electrical double layer forms, is critical for electrocatalytic reactions.
• Comprehending and regulating water's behavior is essential for optimizing electrocatalytic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental understanding of water structure and electrochemical behavior.
• To elucidate the specific functions and "water effect" in electrocatalysis.
• To highlight recent advances in manipulating water for enhanced electrocatalytic efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fundamental analysis of water structure and electrochemical behavior.
• Elucidation of the "water effect" in various electrocatalytic reactions.
• Review of recent literature on water manipulation strategies.

Main Results:

• Water significantly impacts electrocatalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.
• Specific roles of water as a medium, reactant, modifier, and promoter were detailed.
• Advances in enhancing hydrogen evolution/oxidation, oxygen evolution/reduction, CO2 reduction, N2 reduction, and organic electrosynthesis via water manipulation were presented.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of water's role is crucial for advancing electrocatalysis.
• Manipulating water offers significant opportunities to improve energy conversion efficiency.
• Future research should focus on addressing remaining challenges and exploring new avenues in water-involved electrocatalysis.