A Systematic Study of the Influence of Electrolyte Ions on the Electrode Activity

Efficient electrocatalysis is most likely an answer to recent energy related challenges. Countless studies have been trying to find the links between the electrode/electrolyte interface structure, its composition, and the resulting activity in order to improve the performance of numerous devices, such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and certain types of batteries. However, this scientific field currently meets serious complications associated with the prediction and explanation of an unexpected influence of seemingly inert electrolyte components on the observed activity. Herein, we investigate various electrocatalytic systems using a unique laser-induced current transient technique to answer a long-lasting fundamental question: How can “inert” electrolytes change the activity so drastically? Different metal electrodes in contact with various aqueous solutions and two energy important reactions were used as model systems. We experimentally determine the potential of maximum entropy of the electrodes and find the connections between its position and the electrocatalytic performance.