Surface reconstruction regulation of catalysts for cathodic catalytic electrosynthesis

Catalytic electrosynthesis powered by renewable energies shows potential to replace the traditional thermal catalysis due to low emissions, reduced energy consumption and enhanced safety. Cathodic reduction reactions can produce high-value chemicals such as NH 3 , H 2 O 2 , urea and small-molecule organics. However, their practical applications are limited by low conversion efficiencies and poor selectivity for target products. Recent studies showed that electrocatalysts underwent surface reconstruction during cathodic catalytic electrosynthesis, affecting reaction pathways and rates. Understanding and regulating the surface reconstruction mechanism is therefore crucial to improve the catalytic activity. This review summarizes the surface reconstruction mechanisms for several representative electrosynthesis systems under cathodic condition, followed by discussion on the regulation strategies of reconstruction process for promoting the catalytic performance. Finally, based on the current challenges for cathodic catalytic electrosynthesis, prospective directions are discussed to offer guidance for the surface reconstruction modification toward high-performance electrocatalysts. The surface reconstruction regulation during the cathodic catalytic electrosynthesis results in high-activity reconstructed species, which can serve as catalytic centers for achieving excellent electrocatalytic performance. • This article reviews the recent progress in surface reconstruction of cathodic catalytic electrosynthesis. • The surface reconstructions observed in various cathodic electrosynthesis processes are summarized. • The regulation strategies for surface reconstruction in high-performance cathodic electrosynthesis are discussed. • The current challenges and prospective research directions for surface reconstruction in cathodic catalytic electrosynthesis are outlined.