Developing Methods to Interrogate Nanomaterials in Action for Electrochemical Energy Conversion Reactions

We are observing unprecedented growth in electrified processes at industrial scales for the production of fuels and chemicals. This includes the production of hydrogen, carbon-based molecules (e.g. CO, ethylene), and ammonia, among others. Nevertheless, a number of technical challenges remain in order to meet cost targets for these technologies to scale. Understanding nanomaterials under reaction conditions is essential to designing and developing systems with improved performance and durability, addressing key needs. This paper will describe efforts to understand electrified interfaces at the nanoscale, ranging from fundamental systems to applied systems, and doing so under relevant operating regimes. Methods include X-ray techniques to observe the chemical dynamics of catalysts, vibrational spectroscopy and neutron reflectometry to monitor electrified interfaces at the nanoscale, microscopy to observe mass transport and crystallization within porous media, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantitatively measure corrosion phenomena. The development and implementation of these in-situ/operando techniques are providing the insights needed to advance these emerging technologies towards more widespread commercialization.