Dynamic interactions at active sites in electrocatalysis
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Updated: Nov 7, 2026

Tracking Electrochemistry on Single Nanoparticles with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy and Microscopy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Lin Jiang1, Xinjian Zhu2, Jin Zhou3
1School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China. linjiang@shu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
The dynamic evolution of heterogeneous electrocatalysts under operating conditions underscores the importance of how the multiple components of catalytic reactions interact. These parts interact dynamically to define the active sites, making it essential yet challenging to assign their mechanistic roles during electrocatalysis. By exploring advances in the dynamic evolution of electrocatalysts from the perspective of interfacial dynamics, this Review systematically examines the key participants composing dynamic active sites and classifies their interactions into: active centre-active centre, active centre-functional motif, active centre-intermediate, and active centre-microenvironment interactions. Furthermore, it provides details on how these interactions become entangled into higher-order interactive dynamics; their spatiotemporal resolution through complementary operando and theoretical approaches; and how controlling them can guide catalyst design. Moreover, the central challenges and future opportunities are outlined for establishing a more complete understanding of the dynamic interactions within the active sites of electrocatalytic systems.
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