Effects of ions on electrocatalytic hydrogenation and oxidation of organics in aqueous phase

Abstract

There is growing interest in understanding how ions impact electrocatalytic reactions. Ions can influence the interfacial water layer near the electrode, specifically adsorb to electrode surfaces, or affect the energies of species in the double layer region, all of which in turn can affect electrocatalytic rates. However, the effect of spectator ions (i.e., ions that do not directly participate in the reaction) on electrocatalytic rates involving the hydrogenation and oxidation of larger organic molecules is less explored. The adsorption and reaction of these organic molecules may be even more sensitive to the presence of ions and the structure of the interfacial water layer compared to smaller reactant molecules. In this Opinion article, we discuss various ways by which spectator ions can impact electrocatalytic hydrogenation and oxidation of organic molecules. Further study into the role of ions during electrocatalytic reactions of organics would aid the development of more efficient electrocatalytic systems.