Modulation of Interfacial Water at Gas–Liquid–Solid Interface for Water Electrolysis

Abstract Renewable electricity‐driven water electrolysis stands at the forefront of clean hydrogen production, playing a crucial role in achieving a net‐zero carbon future. Interfacial water is fundamental to this process, dictating reaction kinetics, proton and electron transfer dynamics, and mass transport at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Effective tuning of the structure of interfacial water is imperative for enhancing catalytic activity, efficiency, and long‐term stability. As the primary reaction zone for water electrolysis, the gas–liquid–solid interface hosts a well‐defined electrical double layer, whose characteristics are shaped by the structuring and evolution of interfacial water. Given its profound impact on electrochemical performance, a fundamental understanding and a controlled modulation of interfacial water have become critical topics in electrocatalysis, motivating the development of this comprehensive review. First, this review introduces the role of interfacial water in water electrolysis, focusing on water molecules arrangement at the interface and its impact on proton and electron transfer processes. Subsequently, various modulation strategies aimed at optimizing interfacial water dynamics for enhanced electrocatalytic performance are systematically examined. Recent progress in understanding the hydrogen‐bonding network based on in situ characterization techniques is also highlighted. Finally, we provide a critical discussion on current challenges and future perspectives in this field.

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Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2025-09-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202507327
Primary Topic
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Modulation of Interfacial Water at Gas–Liquid–Solid Interface for Water Electrolysis

Kun Qi, Zhichuan Jason Xu, Tristan Petit, Bing Wu et al.
Angewandte Chemie
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
article

Modulation of Interfacial Water at Gas–Liquid–Solid Interface for Water Electrolysis

Kun Qi, Zhichuan Jason Xu, Tristan Petit, Bing Wu, Honggang Fu, Fuxiang Zhang
article en

Abstract

Abstract Renewable electricity‐driven water electrolysis stands at the forefront of clean hydrogen production, playing a crucial role in achieving a net‐zero carbon future. Interfacial water is fundamental to this process, dictating reaction kinetics, proton and electron transfer dynamics, and mass transport at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Effective tuning of the structure of interfacial water is imperative for enhancing catalytic activity, efficiency, and long‐term stability. As the primary reaction zone for water electrolysis, the gas–liquid–solid interface hosts a well‐defined electrical double layer, whose characteristics are shaped by the structuring and evolution of interfacial water. Given its profound impact on electrochemical performance, a fundamental understanding and a controlled modulation of interfacial water have become critical topics in electrocatalysis, motivating the development of this comprehensive review. First, this review introduces the role of interfacial water in water electrolysis, focusing on water molecules arrangement at the interface and its impact on proton and electron transfer processes. Subsequently, various modulation strategies aimed at optimizing interfacial water dynamics for enhanced electrocatalytic performance are systematically examined. Recent progress in understanding the hydrogen‐bonding network based on in situ characterization techniques is also highlighted. Finally, we provide a critical discussion on current challenges and future perspectives in this field.

Angewandte ChemieVol. 137(44)
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (CN), Nanyang Technological University (SG), Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (CN), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN), Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (DE), Heilongjiang University (CN)
Volkswagen Foundation, National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 84%
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
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