Solar-driven chemistry identifies the emerging area to enable the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable chemical production based on the use of renewable energy rather than on the utilization of fossil sources. This perspective paper analyzes the role of electrocatalysis as a crucial technology to enable this transition, by presenting selected examples, mainly around two key reactions (NH₃ direct synthesis and CO₂ electrocatalytic reaction), which evidence the role of electrocatalytic technologies to i) develop disruptive processes for the new solar-driven chemistry scenario, ii) create an innovative landscape, iii) push the development of ground-breaking catalysts and catalysis concepts, iv) realize process intensification, v) open new value chains, and vi) develop new reaction paths. Between the concepts emphasized are the realization of multi-electron transfer electrocatalysts, and the role of surface confinement in the electrocatalytic conversion. The need to move to a new design for the electrocatalytic cells and for electrocatalysts is also remarked.

太阳能驱动的化学能够识别新兴区域，从而能够基于可再生能源的使用而非化石资源的利用，向低碳和可持续的化学生产过渡。该透视论文通过介绍一些实例，分析了电催化作为实现这一过渡的关键技术的作用，主要围绕两个关键反应（NH ₃直接合成和CO ₂电催化反应），这证明了电催化技术在以下方面的作用：i）开发新的太阳能驱动化学场景的破坏性工艺; ii）创造创新前景; iii）推动突破性催化剂和催化概念的开发; iv）实现流程强化，v）建立新的价值链，vi）开发新的反应路径。在强调的概念之间是多电子转移电催化剂的实现以及表面限制在电催化转化中的作用。还指出了需要针对电催化电池和电催化剂进行新设计的需求。