Heterogeneous electrocatalysis: a core field of interfacial science

Heterogeneous electrocatalysis involves chemical reactions occurring in an electrochemical cell at the surface of an electrode, that is, at the electrochemical interface. The reaction rates are set by electrode surface structure, electrode potential, and can be adjusted by other variables specific to the field of electrochemistry. In contrast to reactions occurring at the solid/gas interface, electron transfer usually takes place at the electrochemical interface, which may lead to new product formation (in catalytic electrosynthesis), or allows one to harvest electrons in fuel cells. In the Opinion, papers describing catalytic materials used in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell are highlighted, and those related to recently developed research methodology of heterogeneous electrocatalysis receive a particular emphasis. Conclusions are made as to the future development of the field.