Interfacial Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis: Understanding and Directing Electrochemical Processes at the Molecular Level

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The proposed research builds on our recent achievements that include the invention of controlled atmosphere flame fusion (CAFF) for the growth of single crystals of non-noble transition metals and the development of a new experimental setup for research in frozen and hot aqueous electrolyte solutions. For decades, surface electrochemistry focused mainly on the behaviour of Pt, Au, and Ag monocrystalline electrodes due to limitations in experimental instrumentation and methods. The invention of the CAFF is a breakthrough because it enables experimental research at monocrystalline electrodes of non-noble transition metals, effectively starting a new research direction in interfacial electrochemistry and electrocatalysis. , which will benefit the electrochemical energy technologies and corrosion science. The acquisition of a custom-built environmental chamber allows us to study electrochemical phenomena and reactions at extreme conditions, both frozen and very hot aqueous electrolyte solutions. Although many electrochemical energy storage and generation technologies operate at elevated temperatures, the majority of research is conducted at the ambient conditions. The proposed research has three themes that take full advantage of our new instruments. *** Theme 1 focuses on the electrochemical and electrocatalytic behaviour of monocrystalline Ni, Fe, and Co electrodes in aqueous alkaline solutions. We will study the growth of surface oxides (passivity development), corrosion stability, and electrocatalytic activity towards the hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions (HER, HOR), and the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions (OER, ORR), thus processes which take place in alkaline fuel cells and water electrolysers. We will also examine the nucleation, growth, and adhesion of H2(g) and O2(g) bubbles in relation to the surface arrangement of atoms at Ni, Fe, and Co electrodes. *** Theme 2 is dedicated to the electrochemical and electrocatalytic behaviour of bulk and nanoscopic Pt materials in hot aqueous acidic solutions. We will analyze the electro-adsorption of H, surface oxide formation, and their stability and (electro-)dissolution. *** Theme 3 proposes exploratory research on the electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of Re, an inexpensive noble metal that could possibly replace Pt in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells and water electrolysers. Because little is known about the behaviour of Re under electrochemical conditions, we will initially study its double layer structure, electro-adsorption of H, surface oxide formation and stability, and eventually the HER, HOR, OER, and ORR. *** The cross-disciplinary training of HQP is a central and important part of the project. New skills developed through international internships, collaborations with academic and industrial partners, and participation in conferences and workshops will allow HQP to secure prominent jobs in the academia, private sector, and government.