Two-Dimensional Ferroelectric Materials Enable Controllable Electrocatalysis

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials with switchable polarization and atomically thin layers provide a promising paradigm for the dynamic modulation of electrocatalysis. In this paper, we focus on the polarization modulation of 2D ferroelectric materials and systematically overview the impact of polarization switching on the electronic structure of active centers, charge distribution at interfaces, band alignment, and thus, the overall product selectivity, reaction selectivity, and catalytic modes. In addition, the recent advances in 2D ferroelectric catalytic systems, including ferroelectric catalysts, atomic catalysts confined in the ferroelectric matrix, and 2D ferroelectric heterostructures, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution/reduction reaction (OER/ORR), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are discussed. By providing in-depth theoretical and experimental insights into the dynamic regulation mechanisms, this paper not only highlights the significance of dynamic regulation of catalytic processes relying on controllable polarization of ferroelectric materials but also provides practical insights into the rational design and integration of programmable and adaptive active centers in heterogeneous catalysts.