Zhang Yu, Wu Yuen
School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
Chem Sci. 2024 Apr 16;15(18):6608-6621. doi: 10.1039/d3sc06983d. eCollection 2024 May 8.
Over the years, electrochemical reactors have evolved significantly, with modern reactors now able to achieve a high current density and power output in compact sizes. This leap in performance has not only greatly accelerated the rate of electrochemical reactions but also had a broader impact on the environment. Traditional research perspectives, focused primarily on the internal working systems of reactors, possibly overlook the potential of electrochemical systems in regulating their surrounding environment. A novel research perspective considering the interaction between electrochemical processes and their environmental context as a unified subject of study has gradually emerged alongside the dramatic development of electrochemical techniques. This viewpoint introduces a paradigm shift: electrochemical reactors are not isolated entities but rather are integral parts that interact with their surroundings. Correspondingly, this calls for an innovative research methodology that goes beyond studying the electrochemical processes in isolation. Rather, it integrates the design of the electrochemical system with its specific application environment, ensuring seamless integration for optimal performance under various practical conditions. Therefore, performance metrics should include not only the basic parameters of the electrochemical reactions but also the adaptability of the electrochemical system in real-world scenarios beyond the laboratory. By focusing on environmental integration and application-driven design, the applications of electrochemical technology can be more effectively leveraged. This perspective is exemplified by an electrochemical system based on coupled cathodic oxygen reduction and anodic oxygen evolution reactions. By adopting this new research paradigm, the applications of this electrochemical system can be extended to fields like medical treatment, food science, and microbial fermentation, with an emphasis on tailored designs for these specific application fields. This comprehensive and systematic new research approach aims to fully explore the potential applications of electrochemical technology and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the electrochemical field.
多年来，电化学反应器有了显著发展，现代反应器如今能够在紧凑的尺寸下实现高电流密度和功率输出。这种性能上的飞跃不仅极大地加快了电化学反应的速率，还对环境产生了更广泛的影响。传统的研究视角主要聚焦于反应器的内部工作系统，可能忽略了电化学系统在调节其周围环境方面的潜力。随着电化学技术的迅猛发展，一种将电化学过程与其环境背景之间的相互作用视为统一研究主题的新颖研究视角逐渐浮现。这种观点带来了范式转变：电化学反应器并非孤立的实体，而是与周围环境相互作用的不可或缺的部分。相应地，这就需要一种创新的研究方法，它不仅仅是孤立地研究电化学过程。相反，它将电化学系统的设计与其特定的应用环境相结合，确保在各种实际条件下实现无缝集成以达到最佳性能。因此，性能指标不仅应包括电化学反应的基本参数，还应包括电化学系统在实验室之外的实际场景中的适应性。通过关注环境集成和应用驱动的设计，可以更有效地利用电化学技术的应用。基于阴极氧还原和阳极析氧反应耦合的电化学系统就是这种观点的例证。通过采用这种新的研究范式，该电化学系统的应用可以扩展到医疗、食品科学和微生物发酵等领域，并着重针对这些特定应用领域进行定制设计。这种全面而系统的新研究方法旨在充分探索电化学技术的潜在应用，并促进电化学领域的跨学科合作。
