Surface/interface engineering of noble-metals and transition metal-based compounds for electrocatalytic applications

Surface/interface engineering plays an important role in improving the performance and economizing the cost and usage of electrocatalysts. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in designing and developing highly active electrocatalysts with the deepening understanding of surface and interface enhanced mechanism. In this review, recent development about optimizing the surface and interfacial structure in promoting the electrocatalytic activity of noble-metals and transition metal compounds is presented and the chemical enhancements are also described in detail. The relationship between the surface/interface structures (both atomic and electronic configuration) and the electrochemical behaviors has been discussed. Finally, personal perspectives have been proposed, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for future development in tuning the surface/interface active sites of electrocatalysts. We believe that this timely review will be beneficial to the construction of highly active and durable electrode materials through optimizing surface atomic arrangement and interfacial interaction, which can largely promote the development of next-generation clean energy conversion technologies. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.