Shining Light on the Local Chemical Environment in Electrocatalysis: Fundamental Understanding, Operando Characterizations, and Regulation Strategies

Improving the efficiency of electrochemical reactions is crucial for enhancing the overall performance of next-generation energy conversion and storage technologies. Despite substantial progress achieved in improving the intrinsic activity of electrocatalytic materials, the influence of the local chemical environment, which can significantly affect catalytic activity and selectivity, still remains elusive. In this review, the formation mechanism and influencing factors of LCE are briefly discussed. Then, we place significant emphasis on the applications of various in situ/operando characterization techniques to unravel the LCE. These in situ/operando spectroscopies and microscopies provide molecular-level information about the LCE and establish a link between the LCE and the activity/selectivity of electrocatalysts. Moreover, we provide a summary of the current strategies for regulating the LCE to improve electrocatalytic efficiency. Finally, perspectives on the opportunities and challenges regarding the role of LCE in electrocatalysis are discussed in the conclusion.