Deciphering exogenous electric field promoting catalysis from the perspectives of electric energy and electron transfer: A review

A synergistic system of the non-intense electric field incorporated in semiconductor catalysts has drawn growing attention as an advanced method to promote cryogenic catalytic activity and to satisfy demanding requirements for specific reactions in recent years. Despite the considerable potential for addressing the energy dilemma and atmospheric environment pollution, it lacks a comprehensive review to elucidate the process and mechanism in this research field. Herein, a critical discussion of classification is provided on the research progress of exogenous electric field promoting catalysis in terms of application categories, including production of fuel or chemical feed gases (methane oxidative coupling, methane steam reforming, ammonia synthesis), and abatement of harmful gases (oxidation of lean methane and VOCs). Then, a shared mechanism framework for this field is constructed preliminarily with a core of electric energy and electron transfer, deriving the characteristic phenomena and merits in this catalytic system. Finally, further research suggestions on electric field promoting catalysis comprising scope expanding of research and application, mechanism imperfections filling, and evaluative in-dicators establishment, which contribute to the development and commercialization of this technology.

Automated summary

The synergistic system of non-intense electric field incorporated in semiconductor catalysts has gained attention as an advanced method to enhance cryogenic catalytic activity and meet specific reaction requirements. However, the lack of a comprehensive review on the process and mechanism in this research field is addressed in this study. A critical discussion on the classification of exogenous electric field promoting catalysis is provided, along with the construction of a shared mechanism framework. Further research suggestions are also proposed to contribute to the development and commercialization of this technology.