Spin-control in electrocatalysis for clean energy

A sustainable future demands a successful transition from a carbon-energy dependent economy towards renewable energy schemes, many of which ultimately rely on the development of efficient electrocatalysis that either converts chemical energy into electricity or uses electrons to produce chemical energy. In general, electrocatalysis studies focus on the interactions (e.g., electron transfer) between the catalyst surface and the reaction intermediates. However, the role of electron spin, as an intrinsic property of electrons, has commonly been overlooked. Recently, controlling the electron spin polarization at the catalyst’s surface demonstrated the great potential of boosting both reaction activity and product selectivity. Molecule-induced electron spin polarization inspired by the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect has started to have a remarkable impact in electrocatalysis. In this compact review, we summarize the latest studies that use molecule-induced electron spin polarization to enhance catalytic performance. We focus on the reactions essential to the so-called hydrogen economy, and discuss the feasibility and limitations of this effect. Finally, we share our perspective regarding the more impactful future applications.