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Schott C, Schneider PM, Song KT, Yu H, Götz R, Haimerl F, Gubanova E, Zhou J, Schmidt TO, Zhang Q, Alexandrov V, Bandarenka AS. How to Assess and Predict Electrical Double Layer Properties. Implications for Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2024; 124:12391-12462. [PMID: 39527623 PMCID: PMC11613321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The electrical double layer (EDL) plays a central role in electrochemical energy systems, impacting charge transfer mechanisms and reaction rates. The fundamental importance of the EDL in interfacial electrochemistry has motivated researchers to develop theoretical and experimental approaches to assess EDL properties. In this contribution, we review recent progress in evaluating EDL characteristics such as the double-layer capacitance, highlighting some discrepancies between theory and experiment and discussing strategies for their reconciliation. We further discuss the merits and challenges of various experimental techniques and theoretical approaches having important implications for aqueous electrocatalysis. A strong emphasis is placed on the substantial impact of the electrode composition and structure and the electrolyte chemistry on the double-layer properties. In addition, we review the effects of temperature and pressure and compare solid-liquid interfaces to solid-solid interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian
M. Schott
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Peter M. Schneider
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Kun-Ting Song
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Haiting Yu
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Rainer Götz
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Felix Haimerl
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
- BMW
AG, Petuelring 130, 80809 München, Germany
| | - Elena Gubanova
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Jian Zhou
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Thorsten O. Schmidt
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
- State
Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of
Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, People’s Republic of China
| | - Vitaly Alexandrov
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Nebraska Center for Materials
and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Aliaksandr S. Bandarenka
- Physics
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
- Catalysis
Research Center, Technical University of
Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Straße 1, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
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Hsu YS, Rathnayake ST, Waegele MM. Cation effects in hydrogen evolution and CO2-to-CO conversion: A critical perspective. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:160901. [PMID: 38651806 DOI: 10.1063/5.0201751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The rates of many electrocatalytic reactions can be strongly affected by the structure and dynamics of the electrochemical double layer, which in turn can be tuned by the concentration and identity of the supporting electrolyte's cation. The effect of cations on an electrocatalytic process depends on a complex interplay between electrolyte components, electrode material and surface structure, applied electrode potential, and reaction intermediates. Although cation effects remain insufficiently understood, the principal mechanisms underlying cation-dependent reactivity and selectivity are beginning to emerge. In this Perspective, we summarize and critically examine recent advances in this area in the context of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2-to-CO conversion, which are among the most intensively studied and promising electrocatalytic reactions for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals and fuels. Improving the kinetics of the HER in base and enabling energetically efficient and selective CO2 reduction at low pH are key challenges in electrocatalysis. The physical insights from the recent literature illustrate how cation effects can be utilized to help achieve these goals and to steer other electrocatalytic processes of technological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shen Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| | - Sachinthya T Rathnayake
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| | - Matthias M Waegele
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
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Baidoun R, Liu G, Kim D. Recent advances in the role of interfacial liquids in electrochemical reactions. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:5903-5925. [PMID: 38440946 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06092f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The interfacial liquid, situated in proximity to an electrode or catalyst, plays a vital role in determining the activity and selectivity of crucial electrochemical reactions, including hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution/reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Thus, there has been a growing interest in better understanding the behavior and the catalytic effect of its constituents. This minireview examines the impact of interfacial liquids on electrocatalysis, specifically the effects of water molecules and ionic species present at the interface. How the structure of interfacial water, distinct from the bulk, can affect charge transfer kinetics and transport of species is presented. Furthermore, how cations and anions (de)stabilize intermediates and transition states, compete for adsorption with reaction species, and act as local environment modifiers including pH and the surrounding solvent structure are described in detail. These effects can promote or inhibit reactions in various ways. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights for tailoring interfacial liquids to optimize electrochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Baidoun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Gexu Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dohyung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Xu Y, Zhang L, Chen W, Cui H, Cai J, Chen Y, Feliu JM, Herrero E. Boosting Oxygen Reduction at Pt(111)|Proton Exchange Ionomer Interfaces through Tuning the Microenvironment Water Activity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:4540-4549. [PMID: 38227931 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
A proton exchange ionomer is one of the most important components in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). It acts as both a proton conductor and a binder for nanocatalysts and carbon supports. The structure and the wetting conditions of the MEAs have a great impact on the microenvironment at the three-phase interphases in the MEAs, which can significantly influence the electrode kinetics such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode. Herein, by using the Pt(111)|X ionomer interface as a model system (X = Nafion, Aciplex, D72), we find that higher drying temperature lowers the onset potential for sulfonate adsorption and reduces apparent ORR current, while the current wave for OHad formation drops and shifts positively. Surprisingly, the intrinsic ORR activity is higher after properly correcting the blocking effect of Pt active sites by sulfonate adsorption and the poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) skeleton. These results are well explained by the reduced water activity at the interfaces induced by the ionomer/PTFE, according to the mixed potential effect. Implications for how to prepare MEAs with improved ORR activity are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Xu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Haowen Cui
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jun Cai
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yanxia Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Juan M Feliu
- Instituto de Electroquímica, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, Alicante E-03080, Spain
| | - Enrique Herrero
- Instituto de Electroquímica, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, Alicante E-03080, Spain
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Qin X, Vegge T, Hansen HA. Cation-Coordinated Inner-Sphere CO 2 Electroreduction at Au-Water Interfaces. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1897-1905. [PMID: 36630567 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising technology for the clean energy economy. Numerous efforts have been devoted to enhancing the mechanistic understanding of CO2RR from both experimental and theoretical studies. Electrolyte ions are critical for the CO2RR; however, the role of alkali metal cations is highly controversial, and a complete free energy diagram of CO2RR at Au-water interfaces is still missing. Here, we provide a systematic mechanism study toward CO2RR via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations integrated with the slow-growth sampling (SG-AIMD) method. By using the SG-AIMD approach, we demonstrate that CO2RR is facile at the inner-sphere interface in the presence of K cations, which promote the CO2 activation with the free energy barrier of only 0.66 eV. Furthermore, the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is inhibited by the interfacial cations with the induced kinetic blockage effect, where the rate-limiting Volmer step shows a much higher energy barrier (1.27 eV). Eventually, a comprehensive free energy diagram including both kinetics and thermodynamics of the CO2RR to CO and the HER at the electrochemical interface is derived, which illustrates the critical role of cations on the overall performance of CO2 electroreduction by facilitating CO2 adsorption while suppressing the hydrogen evolution at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Qin
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby2800, Denmark
| | - Tejs Vegge
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby2800, Denmark
| | - Heine Anton Hansen
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby2800, Denmark
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Mikheev IV, Byvsheva SM, Sozarukova MM, Kottsov SY, Proskurnina EV, Proskurnin MA. High-Throughput Preparation of Uncontaminated Graphene-Oxide Aqueous Dispersions with Antioxidant Properties by Semi-Automated Diffusion Dialysis. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:4159. [PMID: 36500782 PMCID: PMC9739863 DOI: 10.3390/nano12234159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A semi-automated diffusion-dialysis purification procedure is proposed for the preparation of uncontaminated graphene oxide (GO) aqueous dispersions. The purification process is integrated with analytical-signal processing to control the purification degree online by several channels: oxidation-reduction potential, conductivity, and absorbance. This approach reduces the amounts of reagents for chemical treatment during dialysis. The total transition metal (Mn and Ti) content was reduced to a sub-ppb level (assessed by slurry nebulization in inductively coupled plasma optical atomic emission spectroscopy). Purified aqueous GO samples possess good stability for about a year with a zeta-potential of ca. -40 mV and a lateral size of ca. sub-µm. Purified GO samples showed increased antioxidant properties (up to five times compared to initial samples according to chemiluminometry by superoxide-radical (O2-) generated in situ from xanthine and xanthine oxidase with the lucigenin probe) and significantly decreased peroxidase-like activity (assessed by the H2O2-L-012 system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V. Mikheev
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sofiya M. Byvsheva
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Madina M. Sozarukova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117901, Russia
| | - Sergey Yu. Kottsov
- Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117901, Russia
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