In situ self-reconstruction inducing amorphous species: A key to electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis provides an advisable way to build a clean energy future by rationally manipulating energy conversion and storage. Monitoring probable changes of catalytic materials under working conditions and uncovering the information of the real active phase are crucial to constructing catalyst systems. Recent advances have witnessed an extensive phenomenon of in situ self-reconstruction inducing electroactive amorphous species (ISIA), which bridges the pristine state with evolved amorphous state of an electrode. However, the difficult-to-detect dynamic process and elusive amorphous structure block progress on its exploration. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries and proceedings regarding this phenomenon in various catalytic processes in terms of generally accepted mechanisms, influential factors, functional roles, characterization techniques, and deliberate utilizations. We conclude the review with our personal insights and provide challenges and perspectives on investigating and utilizing this phenomenon to achieve facile electrocatalysis processes and desirable functional materials.