Electrothermal catalysis: paradigm shift from monolithic Joule heating to interparticle electrical promotion

Abstract Conventional thermal catalysis, dependent on carbon-intensive fossil fuels, faces pressing sustainability challenges. As an alternative relying on renewable electricity, electrothermal catalysis utilizing catalyst Joule heating enables decarbonized chemical processes and is advancing rapidly under carbon neutrality mandates. Here, we clarify the fundamental characteristics and scope of electrothermal catalysis, especially highlighting advances in our own works. Accordingly, a paradigm shift from monolithic Joule heating to interparticle electrical promotion is proposed. Monolithic catalyst architectures employ the Joule heating of monolithic supports for compact and efficient heating, whereas interparticle counterparts leverage both Joule heating and electrical promotion between conductive catalyst particles, not only substantially enhancing the intrinsic activity of catalysts but also drastically reducing energy costs and carbon footprints for sustainable electrification of chemical processes. Ultimately, the perspectives and challenges of interparticle electrical promotion are highlighted and analyzed to advance this transformative shift toward a viably industrial process.