Correlative electrochemical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy for dynamic mapping of water oxidation electrodes

Description

 

Green H2 produced by water electrolysis is central to achieving global decarbonisation goals. Globally TWH2 capacity is needed. Improvements in the activity and stability of catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER, 2H2O à O2 + 4H+ + 4e-) are urgently required to deliver this ambition. To enable the design of next generation catalysts it is vital that OER mechanisms are studied in situ. This is a complex challenge, OER catalysts are typically used on an oxide support before coating onto electrodes. The OER/support structure is dynamic (time) and potential dependent and structure-activity relationships in this complex experimental space are difficult to identify and disputed in literature.

This studentship will build on a recent demonstration of correlative scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) can be combined with shell-isolated nanoparticles for enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 61(34), e202207184, 2022] and apply the approach to study the structural heterogeneity and mechanisms of OER catalysts on an electrode. We recently showed how SHINERS can be used to study green hydrogen electrodes in-situ (Chem. Commun., 56, 1129-1132, 2020) demonstrating the sensitivity of the technique and here we will greatly expand on these first reports.

The project is open to students with a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) degree in Chemistry, Physics or other closely related disciplines. The project will appeal to students with interests in electrochemistry, spectroscopy and there are also opportunities to gain expertise in 2D correlation analysis methods.

Applications should be made as soon as possible but no later than 10th February 2023 . Informal enquiries should be addressed to Professor Alex Cowan (acowan@liverpool.ac.uk)

 

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/.

Please ensure you include the project title in your online application and quote reference CCPR066.