Our tutorial review is finally out: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/cs/d5cs00597c

Key learning points

1. Definition of scaling relations. The review explains scaling relations in three complementary ways:
(1) by expressing them through adsorption energies;
(2) by formulating them as chemical and physical equations; and
(3) by illustrating them as straight path lines on the theoretical volcano plot, which connects adsorption energy with catalytic activity.

2. Origin of scaling relations. The commonly accepted thermodynamic explanation of scaling relations is presented, together with additional geometrical and chemical perspectives that give the reader a broader understanding of how these relations arise.

3. Classification of strategies to manipulate scaling relations. The review identifies five general strategies for manipulating scaling relations. Each strategy is:
(1) explained using examples from the literature;
(2) supported by original numerical estimates;
(3) ordered chronologically to reflect how the field has developed; and
(4) discussed in the context of future directions.

4. Two governing principles in electrocatalysis. Two main principles are discussed: the well-established Sabatier principle, which states that optimal activity is achieved when binding is “neither too strong nor too weak”, and the emerging principle that both activity and selectivity depend on two adsorption sites being “neither too far nor too close”.

5. Verification of the principles and strategies. The review explains why it is important, and also feasible, to use these principles and strategies in both experiments and simulations.

Feel free to reuse all figures in your presentations: https://gitlab.com/doublelayer/chemsocrev_2025_scaling-relations