Interface Passivation Inhibition Enabled by Anode-Cathode Synergistic Engineering for High-Efficiency
Leyang Li1, Yumeng Zhou1, Handong Jiao1
1Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, P R China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|June 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers revealed interfacial passivation in room-temperature transition-metal electrodeposition. By controlling titanium (Ti) dissolution and deposition, they achieved 93% current efficiency, enabling scalable manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Room-temperature electrodeposition is crucial for transition-metal materials but suffers from low current efficiency due to interfacial passivation.
- The fundamental reasons behind this passivation are not well understood, hindering progress in mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the electronic origins of interfacial passivation during multivalent transition-metal electrodeposition, using titanium (Ti) as a model.
- To develop effective strategies for mitigating passivation and improving current efficiency for scalable manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Operando electrochemical studies to investigate interfacial phenomena.
- Co-regulation of anodic and cathodic potentials to control Ti dissolution and deposition.
- Implementation of an optimized pulsed electrolysis protocol.
Main Results:
- Identified Ti-Cl bonding with the electrode as the cause of d-band center downshift, suppressing ion adsorption and charge transfer.
- Anodic dissolution generated a species preventing Ti-Cl bonding and facilitating faster migration and lower desolvation.
- Achieved 93% current efficiency for Ti electrodeposition through synergistic anode-cathode engineering.
Conclusions:
- Provided electronic-scale insights into interfacial passivation mechanisms in transition-metal electrodeposition.
- Demonstrated a practical strategy for high-efficiency electrodeposition and scalable manufacturing of transition-metal materials and alloys.
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