In situ TEM for understanding the electrochemical performance of iridium based catalysts

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Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis of water, a promising process to produce green hydrogen, is limited by the need for scarce and expensive iridium oxide anode materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), due to the corrosive environment of the cell. Furthering understanding of electrode degradation under operating conditions could inform and accelerate the development of more stable and lower cost anode materials.This project aims to further develop transmission electron microscopy (TEM) capabilities to enable the study of the active solid-liquid interface of iridium oxide electrode materials in liquid environments, under electrolysis conditions. We will harness our expertise with atomic resolution TEM studies of solid-liquid interfaces through their encapsulation between two ultra-thin electron transparent graphene membranes. This graphene-based liquid cell (GLC) platform will be applied to the observation of relevant electrode-electrolyte interfaces in order to understand their in service performance. The developed knowledge base will provide a platform for in situ TEM studies of electrocatalysts in the future.The project is potentially relevant to the following EPSRC research areas: Catalysis, Chemical reaction dynamics and mechanisms, Electrochemical sciences, Functional ceramics and inorganics, Hydrogen and alternative energy vectors, Materials for energy applications, Surface science.