Electrochemical Promotion in Catalytic Systems

Electrochemical promotion of catalysis is an emerging paradigm that unites principles of heterogeneous catalysis and electrochemistry to achieve dynamic control over surface reactions. Known also as non‐Faradaic electrochemical modification of catalytic activity, this phenomenon relies on the migration of ionic species—most commonly oxygen or alkali ions—through a solid electrolyte under an applied potential. By adjusting the electrical bias, one can modulate surface work function, promoter coverage and adsorption energies, leading to substantial enhancements in reaction rates and selectivities that often persist after the bias is removed. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that these non‐Faradaic effects stem from reversible changes in surface composition and electronic properties, enabling in situ tuning of catalytic performance. Recent advances in reactor architectures, such as single‐chamber solid oxide designs and fuel cell‐type configurations, have broadened the practical scope of electrochemical promotion across critical processes including CO₂ hydrogenation, hydrocarbon oxidation and selective reductions. The global significance of this approach lies in its potential to decarbonise chemical manufacturing, valorise greenhouse gases and improve energy efficiency. Ongoing developments in catalyst nanostructuring, operando characterisation and materials engineering promise to accelerate the translation of electrochemical promotion into commercially viable, sustainable catalytic technologies.

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Electrochemical Promotion in Catalytic Systems publication trend

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Technical terms

Electrochemical Promotion of Catalysis (EPOC): non‐Faradaic phenomenon where an applied potential induces ionic migration to modify catalyst surface chemistry, enhancing activity or selectivity.

Solid electrolyte: ion‐conductive ceramic material that enables controlled migration of promoter ions when electrically biased.

Reverse Water–Gas Shift Reaction (RWGS): catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide and water, forming syngas for downstream synthesis.

Yttria‐stabilised zirconia (YSZ): zirconium oxide ceramic doped with yttria, widely used as a high‐temperature oxygen ion conductor in electrochemical catalytic cells.

References

1. Unraveling the role of EPOC during the enhancement of RWGS reaction in a Pt/YSZ/Au single chamber reactor. Journal of CO2 Utilization (2024).
2. Electrochemical Promotion of CO2 Hydrogenation Using a Pt/YSZ Fuel Cell Type Reactor. Nanomaterials (2023).
3. Electrochemical Promotion of CO2 Hydrogenation Using Rh Catalysts Supported on O2− Conducting Solid Electrolyte. Catalysts (2023).