Kinetic Instabilities in Electrocatalysis

Electrochemical systems comprise a very fertile field to study complex behavior. By finely adjusting two parameters, potential and current, it is possible to access different states of the system and study the emergence of dynamic self-organization. By doing so, one can understand the role of different species and gain insight into the most relevant steps of the process. In this article, it reviewed the complex behavior that emerges in the electrooxidation of fuels usually employed in fuel cells, namely, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and small organic molecules. It is also briefly revised the emergence of voltage oscillations in real fuel cells and the discussion of its impact on the functioning of such devices. Some perspectives for future developments are also provided.