Electrocatalysis in Neutral Media: Hybrid Catalyst/Electrolyte Interfaces for Enhanced Selectivity

Lai et al. (2024) pinpoint a persistent gap: electrocatalysis in neutral media is underexplored and generally underperforms compared to acidic/alkaline systems, largely due to sluggish interfacial proton transfer and poor catalyst stability. My idea is to design hybrid interfaces—combining organic/inorganic layers, ionic liquids, or zwitterionic surfactants—with earth-abundant catalysts to facilitate local proton management, stabilize intermediates, and accelerate desired pathways. Coupled with in situ/operando characterizations (vibrational spectroscopy, electrochemical mass spectrometry), we’d illuminate how these engineered interfaces alter reaction mechanisms. The goal: to unlock high activity/selectivity for key reactions (e.g., CO2RR, ORR, HER) in benign, neutral environments, making practical, scalable energy devices more feasible.

References:

1. Recent progress and perspective on electrocatalysis in neutral media: Mechanisms, materials, and advanced characterizations. Fayuan Lai, Haochuan Shang, Yuchao Jiao, Xinyi Chen, Tianran Zhang, Xiangfeng Liu (2024). Interdisciplinary Materials.