Young Investigator Group Nanoscale Operando CO₂ Photo - Electrocatalysis

In Situ Microscopy, Synthesis, Performance

Our research group focuses on the nanoscale understanding of solid-liquid interfaces for applications in catalysis and energy conversion. Key catalytic reactions including CO₂ conversion are challenged by degradation of employed materials under operating conditions, performance-limiting inefficiencies at catalyst-electrode interfaces, and limited selectivity and efficiency of catalysts for multi-electron and proton-coupled transformations. Deficient nanoscale elucidation of structure-property relationships and dynamic material properties under reaction conditions hamper progress toward the synthesis of next-generation material systems. 

We address these challenges by employing high-spatiotemporal resolution scanning probe microscopy including electrochemical atomic force microscopy in liquid phase to decipher in situ the structural, electronic, chemical and catalytic properties of key electrocatalytic materials under reaction conditions and external stimuli. Combined with a suite of advanced spectroscopic characterization tools, including attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) coupled with electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), we elucidate nanoscale structure-property relationships and charge-transport phenomena at solid-liquid interfaces. These efforts are combined synergistically with the synthesis of advanced catalytic materials.