Electrochemical Activation Of Catalysis

I knew nothing of the work of C. G. Vayenas on NEMCA until the early nineties. Then I learned from a paper of his idea (gas interface reactions could be catalyzed electrochemically), which seemed quite marvelous; but I did not understand how it worked. Consequently, I decided to correspond with Professor Vayenas in Patras, Greece, to reach a better understanding of this concept. I think that my early papers (1946, 1947, and 1957), on the relationship between the work function of metal surfaces and electron transfer reactions thereat to particles in solution, held me in good stead to be receptive to what Vayenas told me. As the electrode potential changes, so of course, does the work function at the interface, and gas metal reactions there involve adsorbed particles which have bonding to the surface. Whether electron transfer is complete in such a case, or whether the effect is on the desorption of radicals, the work function determines the strength of their bonding, and if one varies the work function by varying the electrode potential, one can vary the reaction rate at the interface. I got the idea. After that, it has been smooth sailing. Dr. Vayenas wrote a seminal article in Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry, Number 29, and brought the field into the public eye. It has since grown and its usefulness in chemical catalytic reactions has been demonstrated and verified worldwide.

Catalysis in Electrochemistry: From Fundamental Aspects to Strategies for Fuel Cell Development is a modern, comprehensive reference work on catalysis in electrochemistry, including principles, methods, strategies, and applications. It points out differences between catalysis at gas/surfaces and electrochemical interfaces, along with the future possibilities and impact of electrochemical science on energy problems. This book contributes both to fundamental science; experience in the design, preparation, and characterization of electrocatalytic materials; and the industrial application of electrocatalytic materials for electrochemical reactions. This is an essential resource for scientists globally in academia, industry, and government institutions.

Conversion of light and electricity to chemicals is an important component of a sustainable energy system. The exponential growth in renewable energy generation implies that there will be strong market pull for chemical energy storage technology in the near future, and here carbon dioxide utilization must play a central role. The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide is key in achieving these goals. Carbon Dioxide Electrochemistry showcases different advances in the field, and bridges the two worlds of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis that are often perceived as in competition in research. Chapters cover homogeneous and heterogeneous electrochemical reduction of CO2, nanostructures for CO2 reduction, hybrid systems for CO2 conversion, electrochemical reactors, theoretical approaches to catalytic reduction of CO2, and photoelectrodes for electrochemical conversion. With internationally well-known editors and authors, this book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in energy, catalysis, chemical engineering and chemistry who work on carbon dioxide.

This contributed volume provides a critical review of research in the field of Electrochemical Promotion of Catalysis (EPOC). It presents recent developments during the past decade that have led to a better understanding of the field and towards applications of the EPOC concept. The chapters focus on the implementation of EPOC for developing sinter-resistant catalysts, catalysts for hydrogen production, ammonia production and carbon dioxide valorization. The book also highlights the developments towards electropromoted dispersed catalysts and for self-sustained electrochemical promotion which are currently expanding. This authoritative analysis of EPOC is useful for various scientific communities working at the interface of heterogeneous catalysis, solid state electrochemistry and materials science. It is of particular interest to groups whose research focuses on developments towards a better and more sustainable future.

The recycling of atmospheric molecules for use as fuels and chemicals is a goal which can only be achieved through a deeper understanding of catalytic processes, particularly electrocatalysis whereby redox transformations can be interfaced with solar or nuclear energy input. Carbon dioxide is a prototypical small molecule in many regards since it is chemically inert. In addition, because of the likely role of carbon dioxide in global temperature cycles, it will be imperative in the future to regulate the output from industrial processes. The purpose of this book is to present a unified discussion of the carbon dioxide chemistry which is necessary for the understanding and design of electrochemically-driven processes for the reduction of carbon dioxide and to provide an impetus for the further development of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide chemistry.

Catalysts are required for a variety of applications and industrialists and academics are increasingly challenged to find cost effective and environmentally benign catalysts to use. This volume looks at modern approaches to catalysis and reviews the extensive literature on areas such as electrochemical promotion of catalysis, biodiesel-based metals on emission control devices, deoxygenation of fatty acids and transitioning rationally designed catalytic materials to real world catalysts produced on a commercial scale.

No. 29 offers new insights into the energies of activation of electrode reactions and the interfacial behavior of proteins.