Molecular Electrochemistry: Recent Trends and Upcoming Challenges

Abstract

AbstractCurrent efforts to address contemporary energy challenges give a boost to the development of molecular electrochemistry. It involves the design of new catalysts for the activation of small molecules and the understanding of the implemented mechanisms. Their rapidly increasing number has led to the design of a new benchmarking tool, namely the catalytic Tafel plot. Illustrative examples are given, demonstrating how complex multi‐electron–multi‐step mechanisms can be resolved. It is also shown that mastering substituent effects may lead to the design of ultra‐efficient catalysts by installing the right groups inside the catalyst molecule. On these bases, the next prospect is to heterogenize such remarkable molecular catalysts. Several new problems are then likely to arise, among which the deciphering of how catalytic mesoporous structures function. One may also attempt to marry the nanoparticle world with the realm of molecular catalysis and, for example, start by raising the question of the possible change of product selectivity upon nanoscaling.