A perspective of magnetoelectric effect in electrocatalysis

Abstract

The integration of magnetic fields with magnetoelectric (ME) coupling materials has been recently reported for electrocatalysis applications. Highly efficient energy conversion and storage can be potentially provided by this emerging approach. The ME properties, that is, the coexistence of ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) ordering in some multiferroic materials, can be manipulated by magnetic or electric fields. The ME coupling can result in unique spin-related physical properties in catalysts, further leading to interesting effects on electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, a discussion on the ME coupling multiferroic materials, as well as their potential opportunities and challenges as electrocatalysts in selected electrochemical reactions, is provided.