Reactive species spillover effect for boosting electrocatalytic reaction

The reactive species spillover has been revealed to be a pivotal approach in boosting electrocatalytic reactions, offering a promising avenue for improving the efficiency and selectivity of various energy conversion processes, while the understanding on this field is limited. To address this issue, this review comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in understanding and harnessing the spillover effect of reactive species (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydroxyl species, and water) in electrocatalysis. We delve into the fundamental mechanisms underlying the spillover phenomenon, emphasizing its role in increasing active sites, optimizing intermediate adsorption/desorption, and promoting mass transport. Key applications of the reactive species spillover effect for boosting electrochemical reactions are highlighted. Furthermore, the challenges and future perspectives, such as the precise control of spillover dynamics and the integration of advanced characterization techniques, are also outlined. This review aims to provide valuable insights for the rational design of highperformance electrocatalysts via introducing reactive species spillover effect, paving the way for sustainable energy technologies.