Book excerpt: This book documents Professor Jacques Simonet's contribution to building new electrode materials and their related catalytic reactions. Research includes synthesis of new alloys of palladium, discovery of new composite electrodes (including gold- and silver-graphene) and the creation of new materials through judicious cathodic or anodic doping. Additionally, studies demonstrate the malleability and reactivity of previously unused precious and semi-precious metals for the creation of 2D and 3D catalytic materials. Studies key to innovative research show how transition metals may reversibly cathodically insert small size electro-active molecules such as CO2 and O2, and be applied to methods of depollution brought by carbon and nitrogen oxides.Written for practical use, Simonet has provided both theory and tools needed for those aiming to recreate and develop his experiments in electrochemical catalysis and surface modifications. This full publication of research gives graduate and post-graduate students of chemistry, electrochemistry and catalysis an in-depth insight into key historical and modern developments in the field.