Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrocatalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 16 May 2025 | Viewed by 10527

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CNR-ITAE Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies “N. Giordano”, Via Salita S. Lucia Sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy
Interests: polymer electrolyte fuel cells; direct alcohol fuel cells; water electrolysis; metal–air batteries; dye-sensitized solar cells; photo-electrolysis; carbon dioxide electro-reduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As Section Editor-in-Chief of section “Electrocataysis”, I am glad to announce this Special Issue “Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis”. Review papers in all the areas of interest covered by “Electrocatalysis”  will be welcome.

This Special Issue aims to collect submissions of all types of reviews in the following areas, as long as they meet Catalysts journal scope:

  • Mechanisms and kinetics of electrochemical reactions;
  • Electrochemical reactions in fuel cells, electrolysers, metal–air batteries, other energy conversion or storage devices;
  • Electrosynthesis, organic electrochemistry, and electrocatalytic hydrogenation;
  • Electrochemical conversion of CO2;
  • Electrode reactions occurring in electrochemical sensors;
  • Electrochemical reactions taking place on an electrode surface.

Dr. Vincenzo Baglio
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer electrolyte fuel cells
  • direct alcohol fuel cells
  • water electrolysis
  • metal–air batteries
  • dye-sensitized solar cells
  • photo-electrolysis
  • carbon dioxide electro-reduction

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

36 pages, 18270 KiB  
Review
Investigation of Electrocatalytic Applications of Various Advanced Nanostructured Alloys—An Overview
by Shashanka Rajendrachari, Gireesha R. Chalageri, Rayappa Shrinivas Mahale, Emre Altas, Yashwant Chapke and Vinayak Adimule
Catalysts 2025, 15(3), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15030259 - 7 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 684
Abstract
Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is one of the advanced techniques used to determine various bioactive molecules, organic dyes, pesticides, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, etc. To determine all the above analytes, one needs an electrocatalyst for their electrochemical redox reaction. Many researchers have [...] Read more.
Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is one of the advanced techniques used to determine various bioactive molecules, organic dyes, pesticides, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, etc. To determine all the above analytes, one needs an electrocatalyst for their electrochemical redox reaction. Many researchers have reported the use of metal nanomaterials, metal oxide nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks, surfactants, polymers, etc., as modifiers in carbon paste electrodes to enhance their current response, stability, sensitivity, and repeatability. But some of the emerging, cost-effective, and highly efficient electrocatalysts are advanced nanostructured alloy powders. These advanced alloys are used as a modifier to determine various bioactive analytes. These alloy-modified carbon paste electrodes (MCPEs) show excellent selectivity, sensitivity, and stability due to their extraordinary electrochemical properties, as the compositional elements of most of the alloys belong to d-block elements in the periodic table, and these transition elements are famous for their brilliant electrocatalytic properties. The present review article mainly focuses on the determination of dopamine, AA (AA), uric acid, methylene blue, methyl orange, Rhodamine B, and the L-Tyrosine amino acid by various alloys like stainless steel, high-entropy alloys, and shape-memory alloys and how these alloys could change the perception of metallurgists and electrochemists in the future. These alloys could be potential candidates for the development of various electrochemical sensors because of their high porosity and surface areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 4982 KiB  
Review
Design and Synthesis of Self-Supported Water-Splitting Transition Metal-Based Electrocatalysts via Electrospinning
by Sai Che, Yu Jia and Yongfeng Li
Catalysts 2025, 15(3), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15030205 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 834
Abstract
Recent advances in transition metal-based electrocatalysts have significantly enhanced the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrocatalysis. Self-supported electrodes, where active sites are directly integrated with substrates, offer superior kinetics and stability compared to traditional powder-based electrocatalysts. The [...] Read more.
Recent advances in transition metal-based electrocatalysts have significantly enhanced the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrocatalysis. Self-supported electrodes, where active sites are directly integrated with substrates, offer superior kinetics and stability compared to traditional powder-based electrocatalysts. The electrospinning technique is particularly effective for fabricating self-supported electrocatalysts with high surface areas, porosity, and uniform distribution of active sites, leading to improved catalytic performance. Despite extensive research on self-supported electrocatalysts, a comprehensive review focusing on those developed via electrospinning remains scarce. This review provides a detailed overview of the electrospinning process, the fundamental principles of water electrocatalysis, and recent progress in the development of transition metal-based electrocatalysts fabricated through this approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

50 pages, 9829 KiB  
Review
Substrate Engineering of Single Atom Catalysts Enabled Next-Generation Electrocatalysis to Power a More Sustainable Future
by Saira Ajmal, Junfeng Huang, Jianwen Guo, Mohammad Tabish, Muhammad Asim Mushtaq, Mohammed Mujahid Alam and Ghulam Yasin
Catalysts 2025, 15(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020137 - 1 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1244
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are presently recognized as cutting-edge heterogeneous catalysts for electrochemical applications because of their nearly 100% utilization of active metal atoms and having well-defined active sites. In this regard, SACs are considered renowned electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic O2 reduction reaction (ORR), [...] Read more.
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are presently recognized as cutting-edge heterogeneous catalysts for electrochemical applications because of their nearly 100% utilization of active metal atoms and having well-defined active sites. In this regard, SACs are considered renowned electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic O2 reduction reaction (ORR), O2 evolution reaction (OER), H2 evolution reaction (HER), water splitting, CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), N2 reduction reaction (NRR), and NO3 reduction reaction (NO3RR). Extensive research has been carried out to strategically design and produce affordable, efficient, and durable SACs for electrocatalysis. Meanwhile, persistent efforts have been conducted to acquire insights into the structural and electronic properties of SACs when stabilized on an adequate matrix for electrocatalytic reactions. We present a thorough and evaluative review that begins with a comprehensive analysis of the various substrates, such as carbon substrate, metal oxide substrate, alloy-based substrate, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD)-based substrate, MXenes substrate, and MOF substrate, along with their metal-support interaction (MSI), stabilization, and coordination environment (CE), highlighting the notable contribution of support, which influences their electrocatalytic performance. We discuss a variety of synthetic methods, including bottom-up strategies like impregnation, pyrolysis, ion exchange, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and electrochemical deposition, as well as top-down strategies like host-guest, atom trapping, ball milling, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and abrasion. We also discuss how diverse regulatory strategies, including morphology and vacancy engineering, heteroatom doping, facet engineering, and crystallinity management, affect various electrocatalytic reactions in these supports. Lastly, the pivotal obstacles and opportunities in using SACs for electrocatalytic processes, along with fundamental principles for developing fascinating SACs with outstanding reactivity, selectivity, and stability, have been highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 17175 KiB  
Review
Advances in Phosphorus-Based Catalysts for Urea Electrooxidation: A Pathway to Sustainable Waste to Energy Conversion Through Electrocatalysis
by Hany M. Abd El-Lateef, Mai M. Khalaf and Ibrahim M. A. Mohamed
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120937 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1211
Abstract
The electrocatalytic oxidation of urea has gained significant attention as a promising pathway for sustainable energy conversion and wastewater treatment that could address the dual goals of waste remediation and renewable energy generation. Phosphorous function groups-based catalysts have been introduced as potential electrode [...] Read more.
The electrocatalytic oxidation of urea has gained significant attention as a promising pathway for sustainable energy conversion and wastewater treatment that could address the dual goals of waste remediation and renewable energy generation. Phosphorous function groups-based catalysts have been introduced as potential electrode materials for enhancing the urea electrocatalytic oxidation reaction (UEOR) due to their unique structural properties, high stability, and tunable electronic characteristics. This review presents recent advancements in phosphorous-based catalysts (phosphates/phosphides) for UEOR. It highlights the development of novel phosphorous materials, synthesis approaches, and electrocatalytic insights into urea electrooxidation on phosphorous-based materials surfaces. Key topics include the role of different metal phosphates, surface modifications, and compositional optimizations to improve electrocatalytic efficiency and durability. Through a critical evaluation of current research trends and technological progress, this review underscores the potential of phosphate-based catalysts as environmentally friendly and efficient alternatives for sustainable waste-to-energy conversion via UEOR. The review concludes with a perspective on future directions for optimizing phosphate catalysts, scaling up practical applications, and integrating UEOR systems into renewable energy infrastructures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3471 KiB  
Review
Navigating Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Descriptors for Electrocatalyst Design
by Samuel Akinlolu Ogunkunle, Fabien Mortier, Assil Bouzid, Jack Jon Hinsch, Lei Zhang, Zhenzhen Wu, Samuel Bernard, Yong Zhu and Yun Wang
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090608 - 10 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3199
Abstract
The quest for efficient green hydrogen production through Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) is a critical aspect of the clean energy transition. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is central to this process, with the performance of electrocatalysts being a determining factor [...] Read more.
The quest for efficient green hydrogen production through Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) is a critical aspect of the clean energy transition. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is central to this process, with the performance of electrocatalysts being a determining factor for overall efficiency. Theoretical studies using energy-based descriptors are essential for designing high-performance alkaline HER electrocatalysts. This review summarizes various descriptors, including water adsorption energy, water dissociation barrier, and Gibbs free energy changes of hydrogen and hydroxyl adsorption. Examples of how to apply these descriptors to identify the active site of materials and better design high-performance alkaline HER electrocatalysts are provided, highlighting the previously underappreciated role of hydroxyl adsorption-free energy changes. As research progresses, integrating these descriptors with experimental data will be paramount in advancing AWE technology for sustainable hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2804 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Development of Nanocarbon-Based Electrocatalytic/Electrode Materials for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review
by Adelina A. Zasypkina, Nataliya A. Ivanova, Dmitry D. Spasov, Ruslan M. Mensharapov, Matvey V. Sinyakov and Sergey A. Grigoriev
Catalysts 2024, 14(5), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14050303 - 3 May 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2640
Abstract
The global issue for proton exchange membrane fuel cell market development is a reduction in the device cost through an increase in efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction occurring at the cathode and an extension of the service life of the electrochemical device. [...] Read more.
The global issue for proton exchange membrane fuel cell market development is a reduction in the device cost through an increase in efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction occurring at the cathode and an extension of the service life of the electrochemical device. Losses in the fuel cell performance are due to various degradation mechanisms in the catalytic layers taking place under conditions of high electric potential, temperature, and humidity. This review is devoted to recent advances in the field of increasing the efficiency and durability of electrocatalysts and other electrode materials by introducing structured carbon components into their composition. The main synthesis methods, physicochemical and electrochemical properties of materials, and performance of devices on their basis are presented. The main correlations between the composition and properties of structured carbon electrode materials, which can provide successful solutions to the highlighted issues, are revealed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Electrocatalysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop