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Volume 16
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10.3390/catal16020114
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Review

Rhodium-Based Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Mechanistic Insights, Structural Engineering, and Performance Optimization

by
Di Liu
1,†,
Qingqing Lv
2,†,
Dahai Zheng
3,*,
Chenhui Zhou
1,
Shuchang Chen
1,
Hongxin Yang
1,
Liwei Chen
3,* and
Yufeng Zhang
4,*
1
Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Life and Health Sciences, Huzhou College, Huzhou 313000, China
2
Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
3
College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan 250200, China
4
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zero-Carbon Energy Development and System Integration, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing 211171, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020114
Submission received: 26 December 2025 / Revised: 19 January 2026 / Accepted: 22 January 2026 / Published: 23 January 2026
Versions Notes

Abstract

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) have gained considerable attention as promising power sources for sustainable energy conversion due to their high energy density, low toxicity, and renewable ethanol feedstock. However, the sluggish ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) kinetics and the formation of strongly adsorbed intermediates (e.g., CO*, CHx*) severely hinder catalytic efficiency and durability. Rhodium (Rh)-based catalysts stand out for their balanced intermediate adsorption, efficient C–C bond cleavage, and superior CO tolerance arising from their unique electronic structure. This review summarizes recent advances in Rh-based EOR catalysts, including monometallic Rh nanostructures, Rh-based alloys, and Rh–support composites. The effects of morphology, alloying, and metal–support interactions on activity, selectivity, and stability are discussed in detail. Strategies for structural and electronic regulation—such as nanoscale design, alloying modulation and interfacial engineering—are highlighted to enhance catalytic performance. Finally, current challenges and future directions are outlined, emphasizing the need for Rh-based catalysts with high activity, selectivity and stability, integrating in situ characterization with theoretical modeling. This work provides insights into the structure–activity relationships of Rh-based catalysts and guidance for designing efficient and durable anode catalysts for practical DEFC applications.
Keywords: direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC); ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR); rhodium-based catalysts; electronic structure modulation; catalyst design direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC); ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR); rhodium-based catalysts; electronic structure modulation; catalyst design

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Liu, D.; Lv, Q.; Zheng, D.; Zhou, C.; Chen, S.; Yang, H.; Chen, L.; Zhang, Y. Rhodium-Based Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Mechanistic Insights, Structural Engineering, and Performance Optimization. Catalysts 2026, 16, 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020114

AMA Style

Liu D, Lv Q, Zheng D, Zhou C, Chen S, Yang H, Chen L, Zhang Y. Rhodium-Based Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Mechanistic Insights, Structural Engineering, and Performance Optimization. Catalysts. 2026; 16(2):114. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020114

Chicago/Turabian Style

Liu, Di, Qingqing Lv, Dahai Zheng, Chenhui Zhou, Shuchang Chen, Hongxin Yang, Liwei Chen, and Yufeng Zhang. 2026. "Rhodium-Based Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Mechanistic Insights, Structural Engineering, and Performance Optimization" Catalysts 16, no. 2: 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020114

APA Style

Liu, D., Lv, Q., Zheng, D., Zhou, C., Chen, S., Yang, H., Chen, L., & Zhang, Y. (2026). Rhodium-Based Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Mechanistic Insights, Structural Engineering, and Performance Optimization. Catalysts, 16(2), 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020114

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