Atomic-Level Metal Electrodeposition: Synthetic Strategies, Applications, and Catalytic Mechanism in Electrochemical Energy Conversion

Electrochemical energy conversion is considered a promising method to alleviate the global energy crisis and environmental issues. By decreasing the length scale to the atomic level, the energy-related metal electrocatalysts can possess unique catalytic properties, which can maximize their utilization. The electrodeposition technique has gained unprecedented attention for the synthesis of atomic-level metal catalysts. In this review, the recent progress on the various strategies used to electrodeposit atomic-level metal catalysts is summarized. The basic principles of the surface-limited electrochemical techniques (underpotential deposition (UPD)) and their applications in the self-terminating growth of atomic-level metal catalysts are highlighted. This review also discusses the mechanistic investigations, comprehensive understanding of the structure–activity relationships at the atomic level and the application of these atomic-level catalysts in the electrochemical energy conversion in details. Finally, the current challenges and future directions on the potential use of the atomic level electrodeposition are presented.