Electrocatalytic systems: Unveiling the potential of flow electrochemistry for electrochemical energy applications and beyond

Over the years, the importance of electrochemical flow cells (EFCs) has experienced significant momentum in the scientific focus, due to their enhanced thermal and mass transmission traits, resulting in higher efficiency and productivity. This advancing technology integrates the merits of electrochemical methodologies and continuous flow administration, leading to pioneering prospects in the conversion of energy and storage technologies, electroanalytical systems, and diverse industrial sectors. This comprehensive review presents an overview of the significance, underlying design principles, and multifaceted applications of EFCs across a broad range of domains. The review discusses the fundamentals of EFCs, including mass and heat transport events, electrode considerations, and reactor designs, and their importance and advantages compared to conventional batch systems, particularly beneficial for large-scale operations. The pivotal function of EFCs in diverse energy and non-energy applications, including water splitting, batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, CO2 conversion, and nitrate/nitrite/N2 reduction reactions, emphasizing the influence of the flow cell setups and working conditions on their crucial performance parameters, is highlighted. Beyond energy systems, the account details the versatility of this technology in electroanalytical applications, electro-organic synthesis, and wastewater treatment. The scope for development of innovative electrode materials is explored in parallel with current progress in system refinement and scalability opportunities. Thus, this review is intended to function as a one-stop reference for researchers aiming to achieve scalability and efficiency in the field of EFCs across potential applications.