Mechanistic Investigations of Electrochemical Ethanol Oxidation Reaction by In Situ Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

The Electrochemical Ethanol Oxidation Reaction (EOR) plays a pivotal role in next-generation energy conversion devices. A clear understanding of the EOR reaction mechanism is critical for rational catalyst design, a task complicated by the numerous reaction intermediates and pathways involved. To this end, in situ Raman spectroscopy has proven invaluable in identifying many such intermediates at the electrode/electrolyte interface under varying applied potentials. Therefore, this technique allows for inference of the reaction mechanism based on the detected Raman signals of intermediates and observed structural changes, positioning in situ Raman spectroscopy as one of the most suitable methods for studying the EOR reaction mechanism. In this short review, with an eye towards future applications, we concentrate on the essential fundamentals of EOR and highlight recent advancements in understanding the EOR mechanism by in situ Raman spectroscopy.