From Geometry to Activity: Understanding Surface Curvature Effects in Energy Electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis holds great promise in the field of sustainable energy conversion. Surface-curvature engineering has recently emerged as a powerful strategy to boost catalytic performance by tailoring the electronic structures, charge transport, and local microenvironments. Despite promising advancements, a deep mechanistic understanding of how surface curvature influences catalytic activity through electronic and spatial effects remains insufficient. This Review systematically elucidates the fundamental mechanisms arising from highly curved surfaces in diverse catalysts. We first clarify key concepts and characterization techniques for curved electrocatalysts. Subsequently, we analyze the unique reaction mechanisms of carbon- and metal-based curved catalysts across various reactions. Then, the surface curvature effect on the catalytic stability of electrocatalysts are discussed. Finally, we propose future challenges and opportunities for surface-curvature strategies. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of surface curvature on catalytic behavior and serves as a reference for proof-of-concept designs of highly active curved electrocatalysts.