What Makes On-Chip Microdevices Stand Out in Electrocatalysis?

Small. 2024 Mar;20(10):e2305020. doi: 10.1002/smll.202305020. Epub 2023 Oct 24.

Abstract

Clean and sustainable energy conversion and storage through electrochemistry shows great promise as an alternative to traditional fuel or fossil-consumption energy systems. With regards to practical and high-efficient electrochemistry application, the rational design of active sites and the accurate description of mechanism remain a challenge. Toward this end, in this Perspective, a unique on-chip micro/nano device coupling nanofabrication and low-dimensional electrochemical materials is presented, in which material structure analysis, field-effect regulation, in situ monitoring, and simulation modeling are highlighted. The critical mechanisms that influence electrochemical response are discussed, and how on-chip micro/nano device distinguishes itself is emphasized. The key challenges and opportunities of on-chip electrochemical platforms are also provided through the Perspective.

Keywords: electrocatalysis; electrochemistry; in situ monitoring; low-dimensional materials; on-chip micro/nano devices.