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

界面电化学和电催化：在分子水平上理解和指导电化学过程

• 批准号: RGPIN-2022-04316
• 负责人: Jerkiewicz, Gregory
• 金额: $ 6.7万
• 依托单位: Queen's University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=747926
• 关键词: Interfacial; Electrochemistry; Electrocatalysis; Understanding; Directing

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.

拟议的研究基于我们最近的成就，其中包括针对非差异过渡金属的单晶生长的受控大气融合（CAFF）的发明，以及开发用于冷冻和热水解溶液中研究的新实验设置。数十年来，由于实验仪器和方法的局限性，表面电化学主要集中在PT，AU和AG单晶电极的行为上。 CAFF的发明是一个突破，因为它可以在非差异过渡金属的单晶电极上进行实验研究，从而有效地开始了界面电化学和电催化的新研究方向。这将使电化学能源技术和腐蚀科学受益。定制环境室的获取使我们能够在冻结和非常热的电解质溶液的极端条件下研究电化学现象和反应。尽管许多电化学能源存储和发电技术在升高的温度下运行，但大多数研究都是在环境条件下进行的。拟议的研究有三个主题，可以充分利用我们的新工具。 ***主题1的重点是水溶液碱性溶液中单晶Ni，Fe和CO电极的电化学和电催化行为。我们将研究表面氧化物（被动性发展），腐蚀稳定性以及对氢进化和氧化反应（HER，HOR）以及氧气的演化和还原反应（OER，ORR）的生长，从而在碱性燃料电池和水电机中发生的过程。我们还将检查H2（g）和O2（G）气泡的成核，生长和粘附相对于Ni，Fe和Co电极在原子的表面排列中。 ***主题2专用于热水性酸性溶液中散装和纳米PT材料的电化学和电催化行为。我们将分析H，表面氧化物形成的电吸附及其稳定性和（电 - ）溶解。 ***主题3提出了RE的电化学和电催化特性的探索性研究，RE是一种廉价的贵金属，可能会替代聚合物电解质膜（PEM）燃料电池和水电解体中的PT。由于对电化学条件下RE的行为知之甚少，因此我们最初将研究其双层结构，H的电气吸附，表面氧化物形成和稳定性以及最终HER，HOR，HOR，OER和ORR。 *** HQP的跨学科培训是该项目的核心和重要组成部分。通过国际实习，与学术和工业合作伙伴的合作以及参加会议和研讨会的合作发展的新技能将使HQP能够确保学术界，私营部门和政府的重要工作。