Electrocatalytic reaction systems demonstrate markedly different behavior than those carried out in the vapor phase or under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The differences in reactivity can be attributed to the significant difference between the reaction environment o fht electrocatalytic system which includes the presence of solution, electrolyte, and intrinsic as well as extrinsic potentials, in addition to the vapor phase system. The solution environment and the applied potential can stabilize or destabilize charge transfer events, thus influencing many of the physiochemical processes that occur at the surface of a working electrode and strongly impacting the activity, as well as the selectivity of the active catalyst.
Revised: January 7, 2011 |
Published: November 6, 2009
Citation
Wasileski S.A., C.D. Taylor, and M. Neurock. 2009.Modeling Electrocatalytic Reaction Systems from First Principles. In Device and Materials Modeling in PEM Fuel Cells: Topics in Applied Physics, edited by SJ Paddison and KS Promislow. 551-574. New York, New York:Springer.