With the ever-increasing need for the electrochemical systems required to store renewable energies, control of the electrochemical interfaces at the heart of these systems is becoming ever more crucial. However, decades of development and fundamental studies into the complex transfers of ions and electrons at these solid/solid or solid/liquid interfaces have not yet led to the formulation of proper rules governing the kinetics of these exchanges in order to improve them.
Thus, Pauli's famous comparison " God made the bulk, the surface was created by the evil " remains valid, as illustrated by the relentless progress over the last few decades in the performance of Li-ion batteries, which are governed by core ion/electron exchanges, while progress in the development of electrolyzers or fuel cells, systems governed by surface exchanges, remains relatively slow.
In this seminar, we began by defining electrocatalytic effects at solid/liquid interfaces, and gave a variety of examples of their application in energy storage or conversion systems. We then focused on a crucial reaction that lies at the heart of many of these electrochemical systems: the oxidation of water and the release of oxygen.
By following the evolution over time of the various developments in this field, we then set out to provide an overview of the research carried out and its implications for the design of new electrocatalysts.
To this end, we have explained the strengths of the various experimental and theoretical approaches used, as well as their weaknesses. By comparing the ionic and electronic exchanges taking place at these solid/liquid interfaces with the various biological processes involved in oxygen photosynthesis, we have finally provided some avenues for future development, which will require ever greater discussion between fields hitherto considered antinomic, such as homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalysis.
