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The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) to multicarbon products has been widely recognized for Cu‐based catalysts. However, the structural changes in Cu‐based catalysts during the eCO2RR pose challenges to achieving an in‐depth understanding of the structure–activity relationship, thereby limiting catalyst development. Herein, we employ constant‐potential density functional theory calculations to investigate the sintering process of Cu single atoms of Cu−N−C single‐atom catalysts into clusters under eCO2RR conditions. Systematic constant‐potential ab initio molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the leaching of Cu−(CO)x moieties and subsequent agglomeration into clusters can be facilitated by synergistic adsorption of H and eCO2RR intermediates (e.g. CO). Increasing the Cu2+ concentration or the applied potential can efficiently suppress Cu sintering. Both microkinetic simulations and experimental results further confirm that sintered Cu clusters play a crucial role in generating C2 products. These findings provide significant insights into the dynamic evolution of Cu‐based catalysts and the origin of their activity toward C2 products during the eCO2RR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular oxygen can be electrochemically reduced to water via the 4e− transfer pathway or hydrogen peroxide via a 2e− pathway, which holds significant relevance within energy conversion and chemical synthesis. The specific oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) pathways intricately hinge upon the adsorption configuration and state of oxygen species. Precisely steering the adsorption state of oxygen species at the active sites serves as a crucial guiding principle for the design and preparation of ORR catalysts. This review succinctly summarizes the strategies employed to regulate the adsorption state of oxygen species on nonnoble metal catalyst surfaces, encompassing insights into the adsorption mechanism and state regulation of oxygen intermediates, with a particular focus on the 2e− ORR pathway to produce H2O2. Moreover, the persistent challenges that remain in the realm of non‐noble metal oxygen catalysts are pointed out and the prospects for their future development are meticulously evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design and development of highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is vital for the application of renewable energy devices. Recently, the strategy of defect engineering draws much attention due to its positive effect on regulating the electronic structure, and thus, promoting the electrocatalytic performance of various materials. In this review, the main focus is on the cation vacancy defects of transition metal‐based electrocatalysts; the latest progress in cation vacancy defect engineering for the electrocatalytic OER is summarized. The different effects of cation vacancy defects on OER are well discussed together with the reaction mechanism, mainly including improving the conductivity, optimizing the adsorption of key intermediates, guiding the surface reconstruction to form active species, and enhancing the long‐term stability. Then, methods to construct cation vacancy defects on different electrocatalysts and the characterization of cation vacancies are systematically introduced. Finally, the remaining challenges and future prospects of cation vacancy defect engineering for promoting OER performance are further proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc–air batteries have received increasing attention in energy storage and conversion technologies. However, several challenges still emerge in the development of high‐level zinc–air batteries. In this regard, electrospun materials with unique nanostructures and characteristics are applied in the high‐performance zinc–air batteries. This work reviews recent progress of electrospun technologies for their diverse application in novel zinc anodes, separators, and air cathodes in zinc–air batteries. After a brief introduction, the fundamental principle and technological parameter of electrospinning technology are discussed, and then multifunctional electrospun nanofiber materials including their fabrication procedures, structures, and electrochemical properties are reviewed in the application of zinc–air batteries. Finally, urgent challenges and opportunities are comprehensively proposed for the electrospun nanomaterials in zinc–air batteries. This work intends to offer readable report for electrospun technology toward their application in zinc–air batteries, which inspires more fabrication approaches and material innovations in energy conversion and storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an amino‐functionalized indium‐organic framework for efficient CO2 reduction to formate. The immobilized amino groups strengthen the absorption and activation of CO2 and stabilize the active intermediates, which endow an enhanced catalytic conversion to formate despite the inevitable reduction and reconstruction of the functionalized indium‐based catalyst during electrocatalysis. The reconstructed amino‐functionalized indium‐based catalyst demonstrates a high Faradaic efficiency of 94.4 % and a partial current density of 108 mA cm−2 at −1.1 V vs. RHE in a liquid‐phase flow cell, and also delivers an enhanced current density of ca. 800 mA cm−2 at 3.4 V for the formate production in a gas‐phase flow cell configuration. This work not only provides a molecular functionalization and assembling concept of hybrid electrocatalysts but also offers valuable understandings in electrocatalyst evolution and reactor optimization for CO2 electrocatalysis and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen electrocatalysis is of great significance in electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Many strategies have been adopted for developing advanced oxygen electrocatalysts to promote these technologies. In this invited contribution, recent progress in understanding the oxygen electrochemistry from theoretical and experimental aspects is summarized. The major categories of oxygen electrocatalysts, namely, noble‐metal‐based compounds, transition‐metal‐based composites, and nanocarbons, are successively discussed for oxygen reduction and evolution. Design strategies of various oxygen electrocatalysts and their relationship on the structure–activity–performance are comprehensively addressed with the perspectives. Finally, the challenge and outlook for advanced oxygen electrocatalysts are discussed toward energy conversion and storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]