Rational Design of Organic Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen and Oxygen Electrocatalytic Applications

作者：Ruiqi Cheng, Xiaoqian He, Kaiqi Li, Biao Ran, Xinlong Zhang, Yonghong Qin, Guanjie He, Huanxin Li, Chaopeng Fu · 发表于：Advanced Materials · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1002/adma.202402184 · 被引用次数：58 · 研究领域：Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion、Fuel Cells and Related Materials、Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Efficient electrocatalysts are pivotal for advancing green energy conversion technologies. Organic electrocatalysts, as cost-effective alternatives to noble-metal benchmarks, have garnered attention. However, the understanding of the relationships between their properties and electrocatalytic activities remains ambiguous. Plenty of research articles regarding low-cost organic electrocatalysts started to gain momentum in 2010 and have been flourishing recently though, a review article for both entry-level and experienced researchers in this field is still lacking. This review underscores the urgent need to elucidate the structure-activity relationship and design suitable electrode structures, leveraging the unique features of organic electrocatalysts like controllability and compatibility for real-world applications. Organic electrocatalysts are classified into four groups: small molecules, oligomers, polymers, and frameworks, with specific structural and physicochemical properties serving as activity indicators. To unlock the full potential of organic electrocatalysts, five strategies are discussed: integrated structures, surface property modulation, membrane technologies, electrolyte affinity regulation, and addition of anticorrosion species, all aimed at enhancing charge efficiency, mass transfer, and long-term stability during electrocatalytic reactions. The review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of organic electrocatalysts and their practical applicat...