A perspective on inaccurate measurements in oxygen reduction and carbon dioxide reduction reactions

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) are essential processes to achieve carbon neutrality. Nonetheless, the techniques for evaluating ORR or CO2RR differ significantly in their operating parameters and conditions, making it difficult to compare or validate the activity of newly prepared catalysts accurately. Here, we discuss various inaccuracies related to operating conditions, methods and protocol differences for ORR and CO2RR performance measurements, which induce significant variations in the catalytic performance resulting ambiguity in reported data compared to the existing literature. We believe this perspective will pave the way toward ubiquitous methods and protocols to standardize the ORR and CO2RR performance measurements.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study discusses the inaccuracies and differences in evaluating techniques for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), leading to difficulties in comparing and validating the activity of catalysts. The study suggests the need for standardized methods and protocols to measure ORR and CO2RR performance.