Understanding the Role of Surface Heterogeneities in Electrosynthesis Reactions

Summary: In this perspective, we highlight the role of surface heterogeneity in electrosynthesis reactions. Heterogeneities may come in the form of distinct crystallographic facets, boundaries between facets or grains, or point defects. We approach this topic from a foundation of surface science, wh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:iScience
Main Authors: O. Quinn Carvalho, Prajwal Adiga, Sri Krishna Murthy, John L. Fulton, Oliver Y. Gutiérrez, Kelsey A. Stoerzinger
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2020-12-01
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004220310117
Description
Summary:Summary: In this perspective, we highlight the role of surface heterogeneity in electrosynthesis reactions. Heterogeneities may come in the form of distinct crystallographic facets, boundaries between facets or grains, or point defects. We approach this topic from a foundation of surface science, where signatures from model systems provide understanding of observations on more complex and higher-surface-area materials. In parallel, probe-based techniques can inform directly on spatial variation across electrode surfaces. We call attention to the role spectroscopy can play in understanding the impact of these heterogeneities in electrocatalyst activity and selectivity, particularly where these surface features have effects extending into the electrolyte double layer.
ISSN:2589-0042