ECATSURF · Advancing electrocatalytic performance through tailored surface reconstruction

ECATSURF aims to develop efficient electrodes with superior performance towards oxygen electrocatalysis. Surface reconstruction, a key phenomenon to oxygen electrocatalysis, will be experimentally probed using the expertise from three participating institutes in Eindhoven, Berlin and Erlangen. This project will focus on design of transition metal silicates (TMS) using Co, Fe, Ni, and Mo which are low cost and promising materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The highly efficient TMS electrocatalysts will be prepared using a two-step method involving advanced deposition technique and wet chemical route. The novelty of the project is development of TMS on highly conducting metallic substrates. The oxide precursors for TMS will be deposited as thin films on variety of Ni substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Surface reconstruction of OER and ORR will be supported by the removal of non-redox silicate ions from the electrocatalyst under alkaline conditions. This will effectively boost the interaction of electrolytes to the redox active centers leading to enhanced catalysis. The real-time monitoring of the surface reconstruction is still a challenge to determine the mechanism via reaction intermediate monitoring. Multiple operando techniques like X-ray absorption, Raman, infrared and mass spectroscopy will illuminate the kinetics of dynamic surface reconstruction pathway for this project. These reaction dynamics are key to designing improved electrocatalysts for a renewable energy transition into sustainable economy. This project involves the synergy from interdisciplinary experts in material chemistry, thin-film technology, electrochemistry, and operando spectroscopy by Dr. Bieberle, Prof. Dau and Dr. Cherevko and MSCA-PF fellow. It will equip the researcher with scientific expertise, and international training to foster leadership and project management skills augmenting her way to an independent academic career in EU.