Electrowetting of Carbon-based Materials for Advanced Electrochemical Technologies

Abstract

Wetting phenomena underpin a plethora of key processes occurring in nature and artificial systems. Subtle control over wetting can boost the performance of devices with applications in diverse technologies, spanning electrochemical energy conversion, storage, and capacitive deionization to variable micro-/nano-fluidics platforms and electro(nano)tribology. A common characteristic of these systems is their operation under application of an electric field that induces a series of electrochemical processes that can impact wetting. The dependence of wetting on the applied potential bias is referred to as electrowetting. Carbon-based materials hold a central role as both active electrodes and additives in such systems due to their distinct physicochemical properties and versatile characteristics. Deciphering the mechanisms of electrowetting on carbon in contact with electrolytes of varied types and compositions requires the fundamental understanding of the underlying processes taking place at the carbon/electrolyte interface. Simultaneously, a systematic investigation of electrowetting can often provide significant insights into the properties of the interface. In this concept article, we discuss the latest advances in the area along with the current challenges and future directions of this recently revived research topic.