The third century of electrochemistry: Lowering the horizon or raising it further?

Abstract

A survey is given of the development of electrochemistry with the author's unmasked wish for more advanced development in the future. The survey is based on past achievements of electrochemistry, which is listed concisely herein. As far as the recent state is concerned, author's dissatisfaction is expressed with the acceptance of electrochemistry as both a favorite professsion of graduate students and a top priority field in the financing of research. For the sake of honesty, an alternative view is mentioned that takes the recent state of electrochemistry as normal and in accordance with the usual course of development, (i.e., birth, rise, achieving of maximum and then decay, fading, etc.) that is common in nature. This statement is based on the belief that today electrochemistry exists on a broader basis than before, and is mainly incurporated into other (new) branches of chemistry and science. Examples are given where recent electrochemistry failed to fulfill its promises (e.g., the production of cheap hydrogen by means of electrocatalysts with high performance for H2 evolution, economical use of large-scale fuel cells, etc.). In summarizing the recent fields of interest that cover electrochemistry, their diversification, specialization, complexness and interdisciplinary nature must be stressed. A list of desirable highlights that could possibly help electrochemistry to improve its rating among other branches of science is composed. In addition, a list of the author's personal preferences is given. Copyright 2013 (CC) SCS.