The design of molecularly-selective interfaces can lead to efficient electrochemically-mediated separation processes. The fast growing development of electroactive materials has resulted in new electro-responsive adsorbents and membranes with enhanced selectivity, higher uptake capacities, and improved energy performance. Here, we review progress on the interfacial design for electrochemical separations, with a focus on chemical and biological applications. We discuss the development of new electrode materials and the underlying mechanisms for selective molecular binding, highlighting areas of growing interest such as metal recovery, waste recycling, gas purification, and protein separations. Finally, we emphasize the need for integration between molecular-level interface design and electrochemical engineering for the development of more efficient separation processes. We envision that electrochemical separations can play a key role towards the electrification of the chemical industry, and contribute towards new approaches for process intensification.

分子选择性界面的设计可以导致有效的电化学介导的分离过程。电活性材料的快速发展已导致新的电响应吸附剂和膜具有更高的选择性，更高的吸收能力和更高的能量性能。在这里，我们回顾了电化学分离界面设计的进展，重点是化学和生物学应用。我们讨论了新电极材料的发展以及选择性分子结合的潜在机理，重点介绍了人们日益关注的领域，例如金属回收，废物回收，气体净化和蛋白质分离。最后，我们强调需要在分子级界面设计和电化学工程之间进行集成，以开发更有效的分离方法。我们设想电化学分离可在化学工业的电气化中发挥关键作用，并为工艺强化的新方法做出贡献。