Electrostatic Decatalysis through Coulombic Screening

Abstract

We demonstrate electrostatic decatalysis, where long-range Coulomb interactions selectively screen parasitic chemistry, leading to distinct catalytic selectivity outcomes. By reconfiguring interfacial electrostatic landscapes, this approach achieves site and flux selective screening of competing reactions while promoting ammonia electrosynthesis. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal a near sevenfold enhancement in substrate enrichment factors, arising from optimized electrostatic screening and strategic charge distribution. Experimentally, we observe more than a twofold increase in ammonia Faradaic efficiency at practically relevant current densities, suggesting electrostatic contributes to reaction selectivity with energy savings exceeding 50% relative to conventional benchmarks. Importantly, the Coulombic screening strategy exhibits pH-insensitive universality, enabling broad applicability for electrochemical process modulations.