Innovations in Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Chemical and Energy Production

Electrocatalysis represents a pivotal area in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. The field has proven essential in enabling green technologies, such as water electrolyzers that use renewable resources like solar and wind to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen serves as an energy carrier that can be transported and converted back to electricity using fuel cells. At the same time, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction offers a dual benefit, lowering greenhouse gas emissions while generating valuable chemicals. Electrochemical approaches for ammonia production are also emerging as more sustainable alternatives to traditional processes for this globally indispensable chemical. Despite these advances, the complexity of catalysis at electrode surfaces, the interplay of reaction mechanisms, and the translation to practical devices remain active frontiers. This underscores the major role electrocatalysis will play in shaping the future energy landscape.

This Research Topic aims to bring together significant contributions across the electrocatalysis field that span fundamental mechanistic understanding, the rational design and synthesis of highly efficient electrocatalysts, and the development of integrated, practical devices for diverse electrochemical energy conversion applications. We seek research that deepens our insight into the essential reactions at play, proposes strategies for designing and optimizing next-generation catalysts, and demonstrates advances in engineering holistic systems capable of real-world operation. By aggregating these perspectives, this collection aspires to advance both the theory and application of electrocatalysis in support of global sustainability.

To ensure a comprehensive view of the various facets of electrocatalysis, this Research Topic focuses on a range of themes central to both the science and engineering of electrochemical processes. We invite submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:


- Interfacial electrochemistry

- Physical methods for the study of electrode surfaces and interfaces

- Operando methods for coupling analytical techniques with electrochemical measurements

- Theory of electrochemical kinetics

- Computational simulations in electrochemistry

- Electrochemical engineering

- Electrochemical materials science

- Fuel cells

- Water and CO2 electrolyzers

- Ammonia production

By examining these themes, we aim to promote a holistic understanding of electrocatalysis and explore its transformative potential for the global energy landscape, ultimately paving the way toward a sustainable future.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Electrocatalysis, Green hydrogen, Water electrolyzers, CO2 reduction, Fuel cells, Electrosynthesis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.