Recent advances in surface and interface engineering for electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis has attracted extensive attention for its promise in converting chemical energy of fuels and oxidants into electrical energy. In this review, we use our recent progress in electrocatalysis as examples to demonstrate how to rationally design and fabricate noble metal-based nanostructures. This information will enable the optimization of nanocatalysts, in terms of both cost and performance, from the viewpoint of surface and interface engineering. We first outline the key features related to surface and interface that may significantly impact on electrocatalytic performance. We then summarize various approaches to surface and interface modulations by highlighting materials synthesis, design and electrocatalytic performance for specific cases. Finally, we propose the challenges and opportunities to perform materials design for electrocatalysis from the aspect of surface and interface engineering. (C) 2015, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.