Recent Advances in External Field-Assisted Electrocatalysis: Mechanisms, Synergies, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Electrocatalysis has emerged as a core and transformative approach for energy conversions and chemical reactions. However, traditional electrocatalytic systems are nearing their performance limits, necessitating novel regulation strategies to overcome existing bottlenecks. Recently, external-field-assisted electrocatalysis (EFE) has gained prominence for enhancing reaction efficiency and selectivity by rationally applying external physical fields. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in EFE, with a primary focus on magnetic and light fields, and their applications in key processes such as water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and alcohol oxidation reactions (AOR). In addition, this review discusses current challenges and future perspectives in EFE, aiming to provide invaluable theoretical guidance and technical insights for the construction of efficient, controllable, and sustainable electrocatalytic systems.