Modulation of Interfacial Water at Gas-Liquid-Solid Interface for Water Electrolysis.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Renewable electricity-driven water electrolysis is vital for clean hydrogen production and achieving net-zero emissions.
• Interfacial water plays a fundamental role in reaction kinetics, charge transfer, and mass transport at electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
• Understanding and controlling interfacial water structure is critical for improving electrocatalytic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental role of interfacial water in water electrolysis.
• To examine strategies for modulating interfacial water structure to enhance electrocatalysis.
• To discuss recent advances and future directions in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on interfacial water in electrolysis.
• Analysis of in situ characterization techniques for studying interfacial water.
• Systematic examination of water modulation strategies.

Main Results:

• Interfacial water arrangement significantly impacts proton and electron transfer dynamics.
• Tuning interfacial water structure can enhance catalytic activity, efficiency, and stability.
• In situ techniques provide insights into the hydrogen-bonding network at the interface.

Conclusions:

• A fundamental understanding of interfacial water is crucial for advancing water electrolysis.
• Modulation strategies offer promising avenues for optimizing electrocatalytic performance.
• Further research is needed to address current challenges and unlock future potential.