13: Introduction to Electrocatalysis
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Published:11 May 2017
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Special Collection: RSC eTextbook CollectionProduct Type: Textbooks
J. T. S. Irvine, in Contemporary Catalysis: Science, Technology, and Applications, ed. P. C. J. Kamer, D. Vogt, and J. Thybaut, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2017, pp. 305-325.
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Electrochemical conversion of energy into useful chemicals and fuels is of paramount importance in addressing the challenges of global warming and universal energy availability. In this chapter, we provide a basic introduction to electrocatalysis and electrocatalysts. Firstly, the underlying principles are discussed and examples of electrocatalysis applications are reviewed. We then focus on high temperature electrocatalysis, as exemplified by membrane production of ammonia and Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs). In membrane production of ammonia, we consider electrocatalytic enhancement as well as Faradaic electrocatalysis, whereas in solid oxide cells only Faradaic processes are considered. The reduction of oxygen in solid oxide fuel cell air electrodes and the oxidation of fuel in solid oxide fuel cells are considered, and then the influence of nanoarchitecture in SOCs is reviewed.