Alternative Energy Carriers: Unique Interfaces for Electrochemical Hydrogenic Transformations

摘要

The shift toward renewable energy generation sources, characterized bytheir non-carbon emitting but variable nature, has spurred significantinnovation in energy storage technologies. Advancements in foundationalunderstanding from investments in basic science and clever engineeringsolutions, coupled with increasing industrial adoption, have resulted ina notable reduction in the cost of storing electricity from variable energygeneration sources. These developments have paved the way for theexploration of new and innovative forms of energy storage that deviate fromtraditional technologies. In this perspective, it is posited that the progressmade in energy storage research over recent years has opened the door to thedevelopment of energy carriers for technologies that are yet to be realized. Toillustrate this concept, examples of alternative energy carriers are providedwithin the context of unique electrochemical interfaces for electrochemicalhydrogenic transformations. The unique properties of these interfaces andelectrochemical systems can be leveraged in ways not yet imagined, creatingnew possibilities for energy storage. A perspective on the progress andchallenges for each interface as well as a general outlook for the advancementof energy carrier systems are provided.