Revealing the invisible dimensions of electrochemical carbon capture technologies through in situ/operando techniques

Electrochemical carbon capture technologies are emerging as sustainable solutions for mitigating CO 2 emissions, offering compatibility with renewable energy sources and operation under ambient conditions. However, their development depends on a detailed understanding of the intricate mechanisms driving CO 2 capture. Conventional characterization methods, which often rely on aggregate data or ex situ techniques, fail to capture the real-time, dynamic behavior of these systems. This perspective highlights the importance of in situ and operando techniques in uncovering the invisible dimensions of electrochemical carbon capture systems. Through case studies spanning molecular, interfacial, and system-wide scales, we demonstrate how in situ/operando methodologies provide critical insights into reaction mechanisms, interfacial dynamics, and device performance. The insights presented here aim to encourage further adoption of these methodologies to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, ultimately driving the advancement and deployment of electrochemical carbon capture technologies. • Electrochemical carbon capture technologies offer a sustainable approach to CO 2 mitigation. • A detailed understanding of reaction mechanisms is crucial for advancing CO 2 capture technologies. • Conventional characterization methods, such as ex situ techniques, fail to capture real-time system dynamics. • In situ techniques reveal the “invisible dimensions” of electrochemical CO 2 capture. • The review highlights in situ methods bridging fundamental understanding and applied progress in electrochemical CO 2 capture.