electrochemistry

The electrocatalytic valorization of furfural, a key biomass-derived platform molecule, offers a sustainable pathway for the synthesis of value-added chemicals under mild conditions. In this study, we report the development and application of nanostructured carbon-based electrodes, synthesized via a hard templating approach using SBA-15 silica and carbon precursors (furfuryl alcohol, FA, and glyc…

Aluminum-air (Al-air) batteries are considered promising candidates for electrochemical energy storage due to their theoretical energy density (∼8,100 Wh kg-1), specific capacity (∼3000 mAh·g-1), low cost and the natural abundance of aluminum. However, several hurdles must be overcome before their widespread application. Notably, the aluminum anode is prone to passivation and corrosion, which red…

Nature Communications, Published online: 20 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-73502-5 High-entropy alloys are often presumed stable and intrinsically beneficial for electrocatalysis. This Comment argues that in situ structural evolution can diminish configurational entropy, necessitating rigorous identification of active phases under operando conditions before attributing catalytic performance to …

Nature Communications, Published online: 14 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72950-3 Water electrolysis crucially converts fluctuating renewables to green hydrogen. Here, the authors collaborate architecture modulation of anion exchange membrane and pressure configuration design, realizing compatibly improved electrochemical performance and operational flexibility.

Nature Communications, Published online: 14 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72954-z Electrocatalyst degradation driven by oxidation is a major barrier to a sustainable energy society. Here, the authors study the oxidation of Pt(111), a prominent model system, under oxygen evolution conditions, resolving self-limiting layer-by-layer growth of a sub-nanometer disordered PtO2 film.

Nature Communications, Published online: 13 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72976-7 Efficient hydrogen production using water electrolysis is limited by poor electrode design and durability. Here, the authors report a tape-cast nickel–iron electrode with integrated catalytic and transport functions that delivers high current density and long-term stability through an improved architecture.

The use of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and high-density compact devices requires the power density, long-term stability, and long cycle life of the electrochemical energy storage (ESS) systems. Ion transport, charge storage and mechanical stability of the electrode can be improved with high specific surface area and porous electrodes with well-designed pore structures and high accessibil…

Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have attracted extensive attention as next-generation energy-storage systems because they offer improved safety and the possibility of coupling lithium metal anodes with high-energy cathodes. Among the many development directions of SSLBs, high-voltage systems are particularly important because they provide a direct pathway toward higher energy density. Howev…

The sluggish HER/OER kinetics and the lack of dependable, highly efficient electrocatalysts limit the large-scale use of electrochemical water splitting, despite its potential as a sustainable hydrogen generating technique. This review presents comprehensive and mechanistically informed evaluation of the advanced electrocatalysts with particular emphasis on non-noble metal-based systems, includin…

Nature, Published online: 06 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10505-8 A potential premediator, 2-chloropyrimidine, could be a model material for molecular skeleton design enabling lithium–sulfur batteries to achieve a strong average capacity retention and help design functional molecules in broader organic chemical spaces.

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72802-0 Tandem electrosynthesis is challenging because sequential reaction steps often require incompatible chemical environments. Here, the authors report the creation of pH gradient via microenvironment engineering, enabling levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone conversion in a single electrolyzer.

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72849-z Traditional electrolytes are electrochemically unstable on the positive electrode surface. Here, the author designed a solvent locked electrolyte to form a stable boride/fluoride interface. The assembled Na||Na2.26Fe1.87(SO4)3 battery maintained 88.2% capacity after 16500 cycles at 1 A g-1.

Nature Communications, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72471-z Iron fluoride electrodes show contrasting stability in ether- and ester-based electrolytes. Here, the authors reveal that interfacial anion chemistry governs conversion pathways and phase evolution, explaining the origin of stability differences and guiding the design of high-energy lithium batteries.

Markus Schilling   Technische Universität München The Electrochemical Society hosted “Cobalt Dissolution from PtxCo/C Cathode Catalysts in PEM fuel cells: In Situ The post ECS Webinar Q&A: “Cobalt Dissolution from PtxCo/C Cathode Catalysts in PEM fuel cells: In Situ Quantification and Removal Methods” appeared first on ECS .

Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72546-x Alkene 1,1- difunctionalization holds significant importance in organic synthesis due to its ability to effectively enhance the complexity and functionality of molecular frameworks. Here, the authors report an electrochemical strategy for 1,1-difunctionalization of halogenated aromatics with unactivated alkenes, …

Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72634-y Overcoming parasitic reactions between the electrolyte and electrodes is essential for realizing energy-dense lithium metal batteries. Here, the authors develop an oxygen distal fluorinated diluent that promotes a diluent- and anion-rich solvation structure, forming a stable inorganic-rich interphase and stable c…