Electronic structure manipulation in electrocatalysis: mechanisms and design principles

Electrocatalysis is a novel technology that can convert intermittent renewable electrical energy into high-value chemical fuels or products, achieving efficient energy storage and conversion. In the electrocatalytic process, the electron transfer and chemical reactions occurring at the interface are regarded as the core processes. Their efficiency is fundamentally regulated by the electronic behavior of the catalyst. Currently, many reactions have improved their efficiency by regulating electron transfer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This review focuses on key electronic-level scientific issues in electrocatalysis, aiming to provide in-depth theoretical insights for the design of high-performance electrocatalysts. First, we systematically analyze the root causes of low electron transfer efficiency and review recent strategies for optimizing electron transport through material design and interface engineering. Second, we delve into the challenges of precisely regulating electronic structures. Moreover, we focus on the regulation mechanisms of the electronic states of the active centers and reaction pathways using emerging methods, such as elemental doping and spintronics. Furthermore, we elaborate on the complexity of the interfacial electron-transfer process by analyzing the influences of interface engineering, bulk redox chemistry, and pulsed electrocatalysis strategies on the kinetics of interfacial charge transfer. Finally, we highlight the latest progress in electrocatalytic theoretical research, including the application and challenges of advanced methods, such as the grand canonical ensemble density functional theory and machine learning, in simulating reaction environments. They can reveal electronic-level reaction mechanisms and accelerate catalyst design. This review clarifies these key electronic-level issues and outlines future directions for multidisciplinary integration and development directions in this field.