Function of Catalyst-Material Phases in Low-Temperature Electrolysis

IntechOpen eBooks

Abstract

Low-temperature electrolysis driven by renewable energy sources has emerged as a vital route for sustainable chemical production, carbon cycle closure, and the realization of a circular economy. Central to the advancement of this technology is the development of efficient and stable electrocatalyst materials, which govern both the thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical reactions. The catalytic phase—specifically whether the material exists as a metal, oxide, or hydroxide—is decisive in determining key performance metrics such as activity, selectivity, stability, and product distribution. Each phase exhibits unique physicochemical attributes, including variations in crystal structure, electronic properties, and surface affinity, affecting adsorption behavior, charge transfer dynamics, and corrosion resistance. This chapter provides a detailed exploration of the roles of metal, oxide, and hydroxide phases in electrocatalysis, focusing on their mechanistic contributions in critical reactions like the electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR) and alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In addition to discussing the intrinsic properties of each phase, the chapter highlights the significance of phase evolution, particularly in situ transformations and induced transitions, as a promising strategy to enhance catalytic performance. These dynamic processes often lead to increased surface area and grain boundary density, which can substantially boost reactivity and durability. By combining structural insights with mechanistic understanding, this chapter aims to offer a cohesive framework for designing next-generation electrocatalysts optimized for high-performance electrolysis applications.

Authors 2

1. Ilias Stamatelos corresponding Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Institute of Electrochemical Process Engineering (IET-4) , Jülich , Germany

   RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany

2. Worawee Saei Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Institute of Electrochemical Process Engineering (IET-4) , Jülich , Germany

   RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany