Recent Advances of Supports Modulating Molecular Electrocatalysis for Efficient Energy Conversion

Abstract

The escalating global energy crisis and environmental challenges urgently demand innovative technologies for sustainable energy conversion. Electrochemical technology shows great potential by converting small molecules into clean fuels and valuable chemicals under mild conditions. Molecular catalysts exhibit exceptional activity and theoretical 100% atom utilization but face limitations in stability and recyclability under homogeneous conditions. To bridge this gap, heterogenization via immobilization of molecular catalysts on solid supports is considered as a potential strategy. This review systematically examines recent advances in support materials, including carbon, metals supports, metal compounds and non-metallic oxides, for constructing and engineering high-performance heterogeneous molecular electrocatalysts. Main interactions between supports and molecular catalysts, including π-π stacking, axial coordination, and confinement-, are elucidated to highlight their roles in enhancing activity, selectivity, and durability. By establishing structure-activity relationships across diverse support classes, this review provides a design framework for next-generation electrocatalysts. This work bridges fundamental insights with practical strategies, advancing sustainable energy conversion technologies.