Thanks to a unique set of properties, liquid metal catalysts provide advantages compared to traditional solid systems, yet their potential in heterogeneous catalysis has not been fully explored. This Perspective identifies some of the key advances in the field of liquid metal catalysis, discussing areas where progress is expected through further fundamental understanding as well as reactor engineering.

Electrocatalytic NO_x reduction (NO_xR) to ammonia has recently become an increasingly popular alternative to the more challenging N₂ reduction. This Perspective critically assesses the possible ways NO_xR could contribute to the ammonia economy and clarifies the necessary steps for a rigorous experimental protocol.

The electrochemical synthesis of ammonia via the lithium-mediated reduction of N₂ holds great promise to replace the carbon- and energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process. This Review discusses this approach and examines the critical role of the catalytic solid–electrolyte interphase formed on the electrode.

The use of data science tools in catalysis research has experienced a surge in the past 10–15 years. This Review provides a holistic overview and categorization of the field across the various approaches and subdisciplines in catalysis.

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction powered by renewable electricity is a promising technology for sustainable fuel and chemical production but accurate and reproducible analytical methods are required to advance the basic and applied science. Here a comprehensive analytical system is designed to capture numerous operating parameters in real time with automated and standardized data analysis.

CO₂ electroreduction is promoted by alkali cations in the electrolyte, but the precise mechanism by which this occurs is not clear. Now in situ infrared spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics are combined to elucidate the specific role of alkali cations and their trends.

Mesoscopic mass transport is often ignored but it can influence electrocatalytic processes. This Analysis introduces a simple multi-scale model that couples diffusion to electrochemical surface kinetics and shows how mesoscopic mass transport determines product selectivity through catalyst morphology.

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are promising devices but their energy storage mechanism remains elusive. Now it is shown that these involve a catalytic mechanism based on water dissociation.

Iridium oxide is the state-of-the-art catalyst for water oxidation in an acidic electrolyte. Now amorphous and crystalline iridium oxides are studied using operando time-resolved optical spectroscopy, together with other techniques, to reveal the nature and density of active centres and the role of adsorbate–adsorbate interactions.

Electrocatalytic urea formation most commonly involves the co-reduction of NO_x species with CO₂. This limits overall energy efficiency as commodity-scale NO_x is produced from N₂ via NH₃. The swings in nitrogen oxidation state can be minimized through direct oxidative electrocatalytic reaction of CO and NH₃ to urea, as shown in this study.

This Editorial deals with scientific language in research papers, considering the causes — as well as the problems — associated with the use of hyperbolic statements.