Heterogeneous electrocatalysis: a core field of interfacial science

Heterogeneous electrocatalysis involves chemical reactions occurring in an electrochemical cell at the surface of an electrode, that is, at the electr ochemical interface. The reaction rates are set by electrode surface struct ure, electrode potential, and can be adjusted by other variables specific t o the held of electrochemistry. In contrast to reactions occurring at the s olid/gas interface, electron transfer usually takes place at the electroche mical interface, which may lead to new product formation (in catalytic elec trosynthesis), or allows one to harvest electrons in fuel cells. In the Opi nion, papers describing catalytic materials used in a proton exchange membr ane fuel cell are highlighted, and those related to recently developed rese arch methodology of heterogeneous electrocatalysis receive a particular emp hasis. Conclusions are made as to the future development of the field. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.