Electrocatalytic reduction reactions,powered by clean energy sources such as solar energy and wind,offer a sustainable method for converting inexpensive feedstocks(e.g.,CO_(2),N_(2)/NO_(x),organics,and O_(2))into high-value-added chemicals or fuels.The design and modification of electrocatalysts have been widely implemented to improve their performance in these reactions.However,bottle-necks are encountered,making it challenging to further improve performance through catalyst development alone.Recently,cations in the electrolyte have emerged as critical factors for tuning both the activity and product selectivity of reduction reactions.This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of cation effects in electrocatalytic reduction reactions.First,we introduce the mechanisms underlying cation effects.We then provide a comprehensive overview of their application in electroreduction reactions.Characterization techniques and theoretical calcula-tion methods for studying cation effects are also discussed.Finally,we address remaining challeng-es and future perspectives in this field.We hope that this review offers fundamental insights and design guidance for utilizing cation effects,thereby advancing their development.
In this paper,we have successfully prepared an organic-inorganic hybridized Keggin-type Ruthenium-containing polytungsten oxide clusters that combines the organic ligand 2,2'-bipyridine(2,2'-bpy)with the noble metal ruthenium,formulated as H_(3)[{Ru(H_(2)O)(bpy)}_(2)O(PW_(11)O_(39))]·10H_(2)O.Title compound inherited the strong absorption in the visible and UV regions,providing a good basis for photocatalysis.The experimental results showed that it exhibited good photocatalytic activity in the visible-lightdriven reduction of nitrobenzene using N_(2)H_(4)·H_(2)O as a reductant with a yield of 98.1%(turnover number is 322.5,turnover frequency is 53.75 h^(-1)).Three cycles of experiments indicated that this compound was an effective and stable heterogeneous catalyst.
Producing fuels or chemicals via electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)with renewable electricity has attracted great research interest due to its potential of alleviating the environmental and energy issues in a carbon–neutral manner[1].The CO_(2)RR is a proton-coupled electron transfer process with the simultaneous participation of multiple protons and electrons[2].
