Catalysis for solar-driven chemistry: The role of electrocatalysis

Solar-driven chemistry identifies the emerging area to enable the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable chemical production based on the use of renewable energy rather than on the utilization of fossil sources. This perspective paper analyzes the role of electrocatalysis as a crucial technology to enable this transition, by presenting selected examples, mainly around two key reactions (NH3 direct synthesis and CO2 electrocatalytic reaction), which evidence the role of electrocatalytic technologies to i) develop disruptive processes for the new solar-driven chemistry scenario, ii) create an innovative landscape, iii) push the development of ground-breaking catalysts and catalysis concepts, iv) realize process intensification, v) open new value chains, and vi) develop new reaction paths. Between the concepts emphasized are the realization of multi-electron transfer electrocatalysts, and the role of surface confinement in the electrocatalytic conversion. The need to move to a new design for the electrocatalytic cells and for electrocatalysts is also remarked.