Emerging chemical driving force in electrocatalytic water splitting

Electrocatalytic water splitting involves the breaking/formation of chemical bonds and concomitant dynamic reconstruction catalyst structure, both which, in a conventional view, are directly driven by applied bias. However, some latest reports have demonstrated that driving force can also govern electrocatalytic splitting. This finding provides transformative approach to designing advanced energy materials, which calls for thorough understanding underlying correlation between corresponding performance. review timely summarizes three different scenarios. Effects forces on surface reconstruction, reaction rate/mechanism, interfacial redox reactions discussed. Finally, an outlook is provided. We aim raise community's awareness this new vision hope it could contribute material design storage conversion applications.