Features of sonochemistry and its application in electrocatalyst synthesis

Electrocatalytic reactions are critical in the energy transformation process, but often suffer from high overpotential and slow kinetic processes. In recent years, researchers have utilized various methods to synthesize highly efficient electrocatalysts, with ultrasonic-assisted synthesis being one such method that has gained significant attention. This method has shown promise in preparing efficient catalyst materials, as the cavitation effect, shock waves, and turbulence generated by ultrasound lead to more even dispersion of the synthesized catalyst. Additionally, the surface area of the synthesized material increases, exposing more active sites of the catalyst and resulting in excellent catalytic performance. This review introduces the chemical and physical functions of ultrasound, emphasizing the methods and advantages of ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the application of ultrasonic synthesis catalysts in electrocatalysis is summarized. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities faced by the ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of electrocatalyst materials in future development are discussed. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.