Effect of the nature of catalysts on kinetics and mechanisms of electrocatalytical reactions:

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The necessity for the development of new materials is the unceasing requirement for high energy conversion efficiencies for fuel cells and batteries and electrolyser applications in Canada. For this reason, an understanding of the fundamentals of many basic and crucial electrocatalytical reactions remains an important issue.    Of various systems examined, O2  and CO2 reduction as well as NH3 and short chain alcohol oxidation are of particular technological interest.  The most important characteristic is  the efficiency of the material used for the electrochemical reactions. Detrimental side reactions can occur, such as the poisoning effect caused by irreversible adsorption of products/intermediates of the electrochemical reactions.My research is focused on initiating a study of the kinetics and mechanisms of these redox processes at alloys, modified surfaces and well-defined surfaces for the elucidation and the understanding of the electrochemical phenomena involved in electrocatalytic processes (adsorption phenomena, electrodeposition and nucleation).   The kinetics of the electrode reactions will be correlated to the surface structure and nature of the substrate. Taking advantage of our custom made Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry system (DEMS) equipped with a  thin layer flow cell (interfaced with the mass spectrometer),  the catalyst surface state and nature will be modified selectively to study its role in the distribution of the reaction intermediates and products. This technique, which gives molecular specificity, permits the reaction products to be followed, on-line, concurrently with potential and time. Technologically, this research aims towards a better understanding of electrocatalysts and, ultimately, should lead to improved electrocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental applications.