Deciphering exogenous electric field promoting catalysis from the perspectives of electric energy and electron transfer: A review

A synergistic system of the non-intense electric field incorporated in semiconductor catalysts has drawn growing attention as an advanced method to promote cryogenic catalytic activity and to satisfy demanding requirements for specific reactions in recent years. Despite the considerable potential for addressing the energy dilemma and atmospheric environment pollution, it lacks a comprehensive review to elucidate the process and mechanism in this research field. Herein, a critical discussion of classification is provided on the research progress of exogenous electric field promoting catalysis in terms of application categories, including production of fuel or chemical feed gases (methane oxidative coupling, methane steam reforming, ammonia synthesis), and abatement of harmful gases (oxidation of lean methane and VOCs). Then, a shared mechanism framework for this field is constructed preliminarily with a core of electric energy and electron transfer, deriving the characteristic phenomena and merits in this catalytic system. Finally, further research suggestions on electric field promoting catalysis comprising scope expanding of research and application, mechanism imperfections filling, and evaluative indicators establishment, which contribute to the development and commercialization of this technology.