Scientists Uncover Hidden Factor to Dramatically Boost Chemical Reaction Selectivity

Researchers have discovered that controlling 'local pH' – the acidity or alkalinity in the immediate vicinity of an electrode – can significantly influence the success of chemical reactions. By managing these conditions, a team led by Professor Jaeyune Ryu of Seoul National University College of Engineering increased the proportion of desired products from 16% to 97% in organic electrosynthesis. This breakthrough, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), offers a promising pathway for cleaner and more efficient manufacturing of chemicals for plastics, medicines, and other materials using oxygen and electricity, reducing reliance on hazardous oxidants.