Atomic imaging of dynamic behaviour at solid-liquid interfaces

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Problem statement: Dynamic processes at solid-liquid interfaces are of key importance across broad areas of science and technology. However, no current technique can image solids interacting with liquids at atomic resolution. Atomic sensitivity is needed to understand the role of surface defects and chemical inhomogeneities on complex diffusion pathways and adsorption/desorption behaviour.Our solution: This project will develop a world-leading 2D heterostructure in situ atomic resolution TEM platform to provide a stepchange in understanding of dynamic atomic scale processes at solid-liquid interfaces. Focussing on inorganic surfaces, we will study changes in the behaviour of the surface, adsorbed species and near surface ions as a function of temperature, applied bias, nanoconfinement, surface morphology/composition, liquid flow and solution chemistry. The new knowledge gained from our dynamic in situ investigations will be used to develop the improved materials needed to achieve a sustainable energy future. Our two application work packages (WPs) focus efforts on new fundamental understanding to enable:- synthesis of scalable heterogenous (electro)catalysts with greater stability and function (WP1)- engineering of adsorption/filtration membranes with greater function and resistance to degradation (WP2).The ambitious science goals in WP1 and WP2 are only achievable by the parallel development of pioneering new experimental capabilities in WP3.