1
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Clarke TB, Krushinski LE, Vannoy KJ, Colón-Quintana G, Roy K, Rana A, Renault C, Hill ML, Dick JE. Single Entity Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 39018111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Making a measurement over millions of nanoparticles or exposed crystal facets seldom reports on reactivity of a single nanoparticle or facet, which may depart drastically from ensemble measurements. Within the past 30 years, science has moved toward studying the reactivity of single atoms, molecules, and nanoparticles, one at a time. This shift has been fueled by the realization that everything changes at the nanoscale, especially important industrially relevant properties like those important to electrocatalysis. Studying single nanoscale entities, however, is not trivial and has required the development of new measurement tools. This review explores a tale of the clever use of old and new measurement tools to study electrocatalysis at the single entity level. We explore in detail the complex interrelationship between measurement method, electrocatalytic material, and reaction of interest (e.g., carbon dioxide reduction, oxygen reduction, hydrazine oxidation, etc.). We end with our perspective on the future of single entity electrocatalysis with a key focus on what types of measurements present the greatest opportunity for fundamental discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Clarke
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Lynn E Krushinski
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Kathryn J Vannoy
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | | | - Kingshuk Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ashutosh Rana
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Christophe Renault
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60660, United States
| | - Megan L Hill
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jeffrey E Dick
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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2
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Gaudin LF, Wright IR, Harris-Lee TR, Jayamaha G, Kang M, Bentley CL. Five years of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM): new insights and innovations. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:12345-12367. [PMID: 38874335 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00859f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is a nanopipette-based technique which enables measurement of localised electrochemistry. SECCM has found use in a wide range of electrochemical applications, and due to the wider uptake of this technique in recent years, new applications and techniques have been developed. This minireview has collected all SECCM research articles published in the last 5 years, to demonstrate and celebrate the recent advances, and to make it easier for SECCM researchers to remain well-informed. The wide range of SECCM applications is demonstrated, which are categorised here into electrocatalysis, electroanalysis, photoelectrochemistry, biological materials, energy storage materials, corrosion, electrosynthesis, and instrumental development. In the collection of this library of SECCM studies, a few key trends emerge. (1) The range of materials and processes explored with SECCM has grown, with new applications emerging constantly. (2) The instrumental capabilities of SECCM have grown, with creative techniques being developed from research groups worldwide. (3) The SECCM research community has grown significantly, with adoption of the SECCM technique becoming more prominent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan F Gaudin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
| | - India R Wright
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
| | - Thom R Harris-Lee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Gunani Jayamaha
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Minkyung Kang
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Cameron L Bentley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
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3
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Zhang L, Wahab OJ, Jallow AA, O’Dell ZJ, Pungsrisai T, Sridhar S, Vernon KL, Willets KA, Baker LA. Recent Developments in Single-Entity Electrochemistry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8036-8055. [PMID: 38727715 PMCID: PMC11112546 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
| | - O. J. Wahab
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
| | - A. A. Jallow
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
| | - Z. J. O’Dell
- Department
of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - T. Pungsrisai
- Department
of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - S. Sridhar
- Department
of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - K. L. Vernon
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
| | - K. A. Willets
- Department
of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - L. A. Baker
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
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4
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Chen X, Li Y. Solution Processing Silicon Heterojunction Photocathode for Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Production. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400782. [PMID: 38644229 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Efficient and stable photocathodes are crucial for the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting devices. Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell is one of the most advanced photovoltaic cells. However, due to the instability of its outermost indium tin oxide (ITO) layers in the electrolyte, a protective layer needs to be introduced on its surface. Previously reported high-quality protective layers almost all involved the use of expensive thin film manufacturing techniques such as atomic layer deposition (ALD). In this work, for the first time, a new strategy is proposed of modifying SHJ-based photocathode with yttrium hydroxide (Y(OH)3) through two-step solution methods to simultaneously improve the stability and activity. The optimized SHJ photocathode exhibits a high applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) of 8.4% under simulated 100 mW cm-2 (1 Sun) with an AM 1.5G filter in 0.5 m KOH. Furthermore, the obtained SHJ photocathode demonstrates excellent stability of at least 110 h at 0.3 V versus RHE. In this work, combining facile direct current magnetron sputtering with a solution treatment technique provides a novel design strategy, which lowers the threshold for preparing high-quality protective layer, and paves the way for developing economic, efficient, and stable SHJ-based PEC devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Environment and Energy Catalysis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Yuexiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Environment and Energy Catalysis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
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5
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Minenkov A, Hollweger S, Duchoslav J, Erdene-Ochir O, Weise M, Ermilova E, Hertwig A, Schiek M. Monitoring the Electrochemical Failure of Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes via Operando Ellipsometry Complemented by Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9517-9531. [PMID: 38324480 PMCID: PMC10895603 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Transparent conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) are standards for thin film electrodes, providing a synergy of high optical transparency and electrical conductivity. In an electrolytic environment, the determination of an inert electrochemical potential window is crucial to maintain a stable material performance during device operation. We introduce operando ellipsometry, combining cyclic voltammetry (CV) with spectroscopic ellipsometry, as a versatile tool to monitor the evolution of both complete optical (i.e., complex refractive index) and electrical properties under wet electrochemical operational conditions. In particular, we trace the degradation of ITO electrodes caused by electrochemical reduction in a pH-neutral, water-based electrolyte environment during electrochemical cycling. With the onset of hydrogen evolution at negative bias voltages, indium and tin are irreversibly reduced to the metallic state, causing an advancing darkening, i.e., a gradual loss of transparency, with every CV cycle, while the conductivity is mostly conserved over multiple CV cycles. Post-operando analysis reveals the reductive (loss of oxygen) formation of metallic nanodroplets on the surface. The reductive disruption of the ITO electrode happens at the solid-liquid interface and proceeds gradually from the surface to the bottom of the layer, which is evidenced by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy imaging and complemented by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping. As long as a continuous part of the ITO layer remains at the bottom, the conductivity is largely retained, allowing repeated CV cycling. We consider operando ellipsometry a sensitive and nondestructive tool to monitor early stage material and property changes, either by tracing failure points, controlling intentional processes, or for sensing purposes, making it suitable for various research fields involving solid-liquid interfaces and electrochemical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Minenkov
- Christian
Doppler Laboratory for Nanoscale Phase Transformations, Center for
Surface- and Nanoanalytics (ZONA), Johannes
Kepler University, A-4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Sophia Hollweger
- Center
for Surface- and Nanoanalytics (ZONA), Institute for Physical Chemistry
(IPC) & Linz Institute for Organic Solar Cells (LIOS), Johannes Kepler University, A-4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Jiri Duchoslav
- Christian
Doppler Laboratory for Nanoscale Phase Transformations, Center for
Surface- and Nanoanalytics (ZONA), Johannes
Kepler University, A-4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Otgonbayar Erdene-Ochir
- Center
for Surface- and Nanoanalytics (ZONA), Institute for Physical Chemistry
(IPC) & Linz Institute for Organic Solar Cells (LIOS), Johannes Kepler University, A-4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Matthias Weise
- FB 6.1
Oberflächenanalytik und Grenzflächenchemie, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
(BAM), Unter den Eichen
44-46, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Ermilova
- FB 6.1
Oberflächenanalytik und Grenzflächenchemie, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
(BAM), Unter den Eichen
44-46, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hertwig
- FB 6.1
Oberflächenanalytik und Grenzflächenchemie, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
(BAM), Unter den Eichen
44-46, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuela Schiek
- Center
for Surface- and Nanoanalytics (ZONA), Institute for Physical Chemistry
(IPC) & Linz Institute for Organic Solar Cells (LIOS), Johannes Kepler University, A-4040 Linz, Austria
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6
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Fan Y, Walls M, Salzemann C, Noël JM, Kanoufi F, Courty A, Lemineur JF. Metal Core-Shell Nanoparticle Supercrystals: From Photoactivation of Hydrogen Evolution to Photocorrosion. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2305402. [PMID: 37492940 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Gas nanobubbles are directly linked to many important chemical reactions. While they can be detrimental to operational devices, they also reflect the local activity at the nanoscale. Here, supercrystals made of highly monodisperse Ag@Pt core-shell nanoparticles are first grown onto a solid support and fully characterized by electron microscopies and X-ray scattering. Supercrystals are then used as a plasmonic photocatalytic platform for triggering the hydrogen evolution reaction. The catalytic activity is measured operando at the single supercrystal level by high-resolution optical microscopy, which allows gas nanobubble nucleation to be probed at the early stage with high temporal resolution and the amount of gas molecules trapped inside them to be quantified. Finally, a correlative microscopy approach and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy help to decipher the mechanisms at the origin of the local degradation of the supercrystals during catalysis, namely nanoscale erosion and corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Fan
- MONARIS, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8233, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Michael Walls
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Caroline Salzemann
- MONARIS, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8233, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Jean-Marc Noël
- ITODYS, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | | | - Alexa Courty
- MONARIS, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8233, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
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7
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Godeffroy L, Shkirskiy V, Noël JM, Lemineur JF, Kanoufi F. Fuelling electrocatalysis at a single nanoparticle by ion flow in a nanoconfined electrolyte layer. Faraday Discuss 2023; 246:441-465. [PMID: 37427498 DOI: 10.1039/d3fd00032j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
We explore the possibility of coupling the transport of ions and water in a nanochannel with the chemical transformation of a reactant at an individual catalytic nanoparticle (NP). Such configuration could be interesting for constructing artificial photosynthesis devices coupling the asymmetric production of ions at the catalytic NP, with the ion selectivity of the nanochannels acting as ion pumps. Herein we propose to observe how such ion pumping can be coupled to an electrochemical reaction operated at the level of an individual electrocatalytic Pt NP. This is achieved by confining a (reservoir) droplet of electrolyte to within a few micrometres away from an electrocatalytic Pt NP on an electrode. While the region of the electrode confined by the reservoir and the NP are cathodically polarised, operando optical microscopy reveals the growth of an electrolyte nanodroplet on top of the NP. This suggests that the electrocatalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction operates at the NP and that an electrolyte nanochannel is formed - acting as an ion pump - between the reservoir and the NP. We have described here the optically imaged phenomena and their relevance to the characterization of the electrolyte nanochannel linking the NPs to the electrolyte microreservoir. Additionally, we have addressed the capacity of the nanochannel to transport ions and solvent flow to the NP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jean-Marc Noël
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, ITODYS, F-75013 Paris, France.
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8
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Cobb SJ, Dharani AM, Oliveira AR, Pereira IAC, Reisner E. Carboxysome-Inspired Electrocatalysis using Enzymes for the Reduction of CO 2 at Low Concentrations. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202218782. [PMID: 37078435 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The electrolysis of dilute CO2 streams suffers from low concentrations of dissolved substrate and its rapid depletion at the electrolyte-electrocatalyst interface. These limitations require first energy-intensive CO2 capture and concentration, before electrolyzers can achieve acceptable performances. For direct electrocatalytic CO2 reduction from low-concentration sources, we introduce a strategy that mimics the carboxysome in cyanobacteria by utilizing microcompartments with nanoconfined enzymes in a porous electrode. A carbonic anhydrase accelerates CO2 hydration kinetics and minimizes substrate depletion by making all dissolved carbon available for utilization, while a highly efficient formate dehydrogenase reduces CO2 cleanly to formate; down to even atmospheric concentrations of CO2 . This bio-inspired concept demonstrates that the carboxysome provides a viable blueprint for the reduction of low-concentration CO2 streams to chemicals by using all forms of dissolved carbon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Cobb
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Azim M Dharani
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ana Rita Oliveira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Inês A C Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Erwin Reisner
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
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9
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Zhu Y, Droguet L, Deng J, Wang X, Li L, Dufil Y, Deschannels M, Jommongkol R, Pareseecharoen C, Grimaud A, Tarascon JM, Fontaine O. Visualizing Water Reduction with Diazonium Grafting on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Surface in a Water-in-Salt Electrolyte. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:23899-23907. [PMID: 37129997 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous batteries are regaining interest, thanks to the extended working stability voltage window in a highly concentrated electrolyte, namely the water-in-salt electrolyte. A solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) forms on the negative electrode to prevent water access to the electrode surface. However, we further reported that the formed SEI layer was not uniform on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. The SEI after passivation will also show degradation during the remaining time of open-circuit voltage (OCV); hence, it calls for a more stable passivation layer to cover the electrode surface. Here, a surface modification was successfully achieved via artificial diazonium grafting using monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol), α-methoxy, ω-allyloxy (PEG), and allyl glycidyl cyclocarbonate (AGC), on glassy carbon. Physical and electrochemical measurements indicated that the hydrophobic layer composed of PEG or AGC species was well grafted on the electrode surface. The grafted hydrophobic coatings could protect the electrode surface from the water molecules in the bulk electrolyte and then suppress the free water decomposition (from LSV) but still migrating lithium ions. Furthermore, multiple cycles of CV with one-hour resting OCV identified the good stability of the hydrophobic grafting layer, which is a highlight compared with our precious work. These findings relying on the diazonium grafting design may offer a new strategy to construct a stable artificial SEI layer that can well protect the electrode surface from the free water molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Zhu
- ICGM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Lea Droguet
- College de France, 75005 Paris, France
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), CNRS FR 3459, 33 rue Saint Leu, 80039 Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Jie Deng
- Institute for Advanced Study & College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106 Chengdu, China
| | - Xuanze Wang
- Molecular Electrochemistry for Energy Laboratory, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), 21210 Rayong, Thailand
| | - Luming Li
- Institute for Advanced Study & College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, 610106 Chengdu, China
| | - Yannick Dufil
- ICGM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Rossukon Jommongkol
- Molecular Electrochemistry for Energy Laboratory, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), 21210 Rayong, Thailand
| | - Chayaporn Pareseecharoen
- Molecular Electrochemistry for Energy Laboratory, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), 21210 Rayong, Thailand
| | - Alexis Grimaud
- College de France, 75005 Paris, France
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), CNRS FR 3459, 33 rue Saint Leu, 80039 Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Marie Tarascon
- College de France, 75005 Paris, France
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), CNRS FR 3459, 33 rue Saint Leu, 80039 Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Olivier Fontaine
- Molecular Electrochemistry for Energy Laboratory, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), 21210 Rayong, Thailand
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10
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Santana Santos C, Jaato BN, Sanjuán I, Schuhmann W, Andronescu C. Operando Scanning Electrochemical Probe Microscopy during Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2023; 123:4972-5019. [PMID: 36972701 PMCID: PMC10168669 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) techniques can disclose the local electrochemical reactivity of interfaces in single-entity and sub-entity studies. Operando SEPM measurements consist of using a SEPM tip to investigate the performance of electrocatalysts, while the reactivity of the interface is simultaneously modulated. This powerful combination can correlate electrochemical activity with changes in surface properties, e.g., topography and structure, as well as provide insight into reaction mechanisms. The focus of this review is to reveal the recent progress in local SEPM measurements of the catalytic activity of a surface toward the reduction and evolution of O2 and H2 and electrochemical conversion of CO2. The capabilities of SEPMs are showcased, and the possibility of coupling other techniques to SEPMs is presented. Emphasis is given to scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Santana Santos
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Bright Nsolebna Jaato
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ignacio Sanjuán
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
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11
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Perry S, Arumugam S, Beeby S, Nandhakumar I. Template-free nanostructured poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) films via single pulse-nucleated electrodeposition. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2023.117278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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12
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Raveendran A, Chandran M, Dhanusuraman R. A comprehensive review on the electrochemical parameters and recent material development of electrochemical water splitting electrocatalysts. RSC Adv 2023; 13:3843-3876. [PMID: 36756592 PMCID: PMC9890951 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07642j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical splitting of water is an appealing solution for energy storage and conversion to overcome the reliance on depleting fossil fuel reserves and prevent severe deterioration of the global climate. Though there are several fuel cells, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) fuel cells have zero carbon emissions, and water is the only by-product. Countless researchers worldwide are working on the fundamentals, i.e. the parameters affecting the electrocatalysis of water splitting and electrocatalysts that could improve the performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and overall simplify the water electrolysis process. Noble metals like platinum for HER and ruthenium and iridium for OER were used earlier; however, being expensive, there are more feasible options than employing these metals for all commercialization. The review discusses the recent developments in metal and metalloid HER and OER electrocatalysts from the s, p and d block elements. The evaluation perspectives for electrocatalysts of electrochemical water splitting are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Raveendran
- Nano Electrochemistry Lab (NEL), Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Puducherry Karaikal - 609609 India
| | - Mijun Chandran
- Department of Chemistry, Central University of Tamil Nadu Thiruvarur - 610005 India
| | - Ragupathy Dhanusuraman
- Nano Electrochemistry Lab (NEL), Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Puducherry Karaikal - 609609 India
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13
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Xu X, Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Confederat S, Marcuccio F, Lemineur JF, Actis P, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. The New Era of High-Throughput Nanoelectrochemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:319-356. [PMID: 36625121 PMCID: PMC9835065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université
Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Confederat
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Faculty
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paolo Actis
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,
| | | | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.,
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14
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Skaanvik SA, Stephens LI, Gateman SM, Geissler M, Mauzeroll J. Quantitative Feedback Referencing for Improved Kinetic Fitting of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Measurements. Anal Chem 2022; 94:13852-13859. [PMID: 36166706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has matured as a technique for studying local electrochemical processes. The feedback mode is most commonly used for extracting quantitative kinetic information. However, approaching individual regions of interest, as is commonly done, does not take full advantage of the spatial resolution that SECM has to offer. Moreover, fitting of experimental approach curves remains highly subjective due to the manner of estimating the tip-to-substrate distance. We address these issues using negative or positive feedback currents as a reference to calculate the tip-to-substrate distance directly for quantitative kinetic fitting of approach curves and line profiles. The method was first evaluated by fitting simulated data and then tested experimentally by resolving negative feedback and intermediate kinetics behavior in a spatially controlled fashion using (i) a flat, binary substrate composed of Au and SiO2 segments and (ii) a dual-mediator system for live-cell measurements. The methodology developed herein, named quantitative feedback referencing (QFR), improves fitting accuracy, removes fitting subjectivity, and avoids substrate-microelectrode contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Irene Stephens
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | | | - Matthias Geissler
- Life Sciences Division, National Research Council of Canada, 75 de Mortagne Boulevard, Boucherville, Quebec J4B 6Y4, Canada
| | - Janine Mauzeroll
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
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15
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Godeffroy L, Lemineur JF, Shkirskiy V, Miranda Vieira M, Noël JM, Kanoufi F. Bridging the Gap between Single Nanoparticle Imaging and Global Electrochemical Response by Correlative Microscopy Assisted By Machine Vision. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2200659. [PMID: 35789075 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The nanostructuration of an electrochemical interface dictates its micro- and macroscopic behavior. It is generally highly complex and often evolves under operating conditions. Electrochemistry at these nanostructurations can be imaged both operando and/or ex situ at the single nanoobject or nanoparticle (NP) level by diverse optical, electron, and local probe microscopy techniques. However, they only probe a tiny random fraction of interfaces that are by essence highly heterogeneous. Given the above background, correlative multimicroscopy strategy coupled to electrochemistry in a droplet cell provides a unique solution to gain mechanistic insights in electrocatalysis. To do so, a general machine-vision methodology is depicted enabling the automated local identification of various physical and chemical descriptors of NPs (size, composition, activity) obtained from multiple complementary operando and ex situ microscopy imaging of the electrode. These multifarious microscopically probed descriptors for each and all individual NPs are used to reconstruct the global electrochemical response. Herein the methodology unveils the competing processes involved in the electrocatalysis of hydrogen evolution reaction at nickel based NPs, showing that Ni metal activity is comparable to that of platinum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Marc Noël
- Université Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, 75013, Paris, France
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16
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Chen Q, Zhao J, Deng X, Shan Y, Peng Y. Single-Entity Electrochemistry of Nano- and Microbubbles in Electrolytic Gas Evolution. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:6153-6163. [PMID: 35762985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Gas bubbles are found in diverse electrochemical processes, ranging from electrolytic water splitting to chlor-alkali electrolysis, as well as photoelectrochemical processes. Understanding the intricate influence of bubble evolution on the electrode processes and mass transport is key to the rational design of efficient devices for electrolytic energy conversion and thus requires precise measurement and analysis of individual gas bubbles. In this Perspective, we review the latest advances in single-entity measurement of gas bubbles on electrodes, covering the approaches of voltammetric and galvanostatic studies based on nanoelectrodes, probing bubble evolution using scanning probe electrochemistry with spatial information, and monitoring the transient nature of nanobubble formation and dynamics with opto-electrochemical imaging. We emphasize the intrinsic and quantitative physicochemical interpretation of single gas bubbles from electrochemical data, highlighting the fundamental understanding of the heterogeneous nucleation, dynamic state of the three-phase boundary, and the correlation between electrolytic bubble dynamics and nanocatalyst activities. In addition, a brief discussion of future perspectives is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Jiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xiaoli Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yun Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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17
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Lemineur JF, Wang H, Wang W, Kanoufi F. Emerging Optical Microscopy Techniques for Electrochemistry. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2022; 15:57-82. [PMID: 35216529 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061020-015943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
An optical microscope is probably the most intuitive, simple, and commonly used instrument to observe objects and discuss behaviors through images. Although the idea of imaging electrochemical processes operando by optical microscopy was initiated 40 years ago, it was not until significant progress was made in the last two decades in advanced optical microscopy or plasmonics that it could become a mainstream electroanalytical strategy. This review illustrates the potential of different optical microscopies to visualize and quantify local electrochemical processes with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution (below the diffraction limit), up to the single object level with subnanoparticle or single-molecule sensitivity. Developed through optically and electrochemically active model systems, optical microscopy is now shifting to materials and configurations focused on real-world electrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China;
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China;
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18
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Molina NY, Pungsrisai T, O'Dell ZJ, Paranzino B, Willets KA. The Hidden Role of the Supporting Electrode for Creating Heterogeneity in Single Entity Electrochemistry. ChemElectroChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202200245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Y. Molina
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901N. 13th Street Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Tipsiri Pungsrisai
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901N. 13th Street Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Zachary J. O'Dell
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901N. 13th Street Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Bianca Paranzino
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901N. 13th Street Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Katherine A. Willets
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901N. 13th Street Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
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19
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Wahab O, Kang M, Meloni GN, Daviddi E, Unwin PR. Nanoscale Visualization of Electrochemical Activity at Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4729-4736. [PMID: 35255211 PMCID: PMC9007413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a popular electrode choice, with diverse applications in (photo)electrocatalysis, organic photovoltaics, spectroelectrochemistry and sensing, and as a support for cell biology studies. Although ITO surfaces exhibit heterogeneous local electrical conductivity, little is known as to how this translates to electrochemistry at the same scale. This work investigates nanoscale electrochemistry at ITO electrodes using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The nominally fast outer-sphere one-electron oxidation of 1,1'-ferrocenedimethanol (FcDM) is used as an electron transfer (ET) kinetic marker to reveal the charge transfer properties of the ITO/electrolyte interface. SECCM measures spatially resolved linear sweep voltammetry at an array of points across the ITO surface, with the topography measured synchronously. Presentation of SECCM data as current maps as a function of potential reveals that, while the entire surface of ITO is electroactive, the ET activity is highly spatially heterogeneous. Kinetic parameters (standard rate constant, k0, and transfer coefficient, α) for FcDM0/+ are assigned from 7200 measurements at sites across the ITO surface using finite element method modeling. Differences of 3 orders of magnitude in k0 are revealed, and the average k0 is about 20 times larger than that measured at the macroscale. This is attributed to macroscale ET being largely limited by lateral conductivity of the ITO electrode under electrochemical operation, rather than ET kinetics at the ITO/electrolyte interface, as measured by SECCM. This study further demonstrates the considerable power of SECCM for direct nanoscale characterization of electrochemical processes at complex electrode surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwasegun
J. Wahab
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Institute
for Frontier Materials Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Gabriel N. Meloni
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Daviddi
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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20
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Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Meloni GN, Morris P, Lemineur JF, McPherson IJ, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. Hybrid scanning electrochemical cell microscopy-interference reflection microscopy (SECCM-IRM): tracking phase formation on surfaces in small volumes. Faraday Discuss 2021; 233:122-148. [PMID: 34909815 DOI: 10.1039/d1fd00063b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We describe the combination of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and interference reflection microscopy (IRM) to produce a compelling technique for the study of interfacial processes and to track the SECCM meniscus status in real-time. SECCM allows reactions to be confined to well defined nm-to-μm-sized regions of a surface, and for experiments to be repeated quickly and easily at multiple locations. IRM is a highly surface-sensitive technique which reveals processes happening (very) close to a substrate with temporal and spatial resolution commensurate with typical electrochemical techniques. By using thin transparent conductive layers on glass as substrates, IRM can be coupled to SECCM, to allow real-time in situ optical monitoring of the SECCM meniscus and of processes that occur within it at the electrode/electrolyte interface. We first use the technique to assess the stability of the SECCM meniscus during voltammetry at an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode at close to neutral pH, demonstrating that the meniscus contact area is rather stable over a large potential window and reproducible, varying by only ca. 5% over different SECCM approaches. At high cathodic potentials, subtle electrowetting is easily detected and quantified. We also look inside the meniscus to reveal surface changes at extreme cathodic potentials, assigned to the possible formation of indium nanoparticles. Finally, we examine the effect of meniscus size and driving potential on CaCO3 precipitation at the ITO electrode as a result of electrochemically-generated pH swings. We are able to track the number, spatial distribution and morphology of material with high spatiotemporal resolution and rationalise some of the observed deposition patterns with finite element method modelling of reactive-transport. Growth of solid phases on surfaces from solution is an important pathway to functional materials and SECCM-IRM provides a means for in situ or in operando visualisation and tracking of these processes with improved fidelity. We anticipate that this technique will be particularly powerful for the study of phase formation processes, especially as the high throughput nature of SECCM-IRM (where each spot is a separate experiment) will allow for the creation of large datasets, exploring a wide experimental parameter landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université de Paris, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France.
| | - Gabriel N Meloni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Peter Morris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | | | - Ian J McPherson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | | | - Patrick R Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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21
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Godeffroy L, Ciocci P, Nsabimana A, Miranda Vieira M, Noël JM, Combellas C, Lemineur JF, Kanoufi F. Deciphering Competitive Routes for Nickel-Based Nanoparticle Electrodeposition by an Operando Optical Monitoring. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:16980-16983. [PMID: 34101324 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202106420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Electrodeposition of earth-abundant iron group metals such as nickel is difficult to characterize by simple electrochemical analyses since the reduction of their metal salts often competes with inhibiting reactions. This makes the mechanistic interpretation sometimes contradictory, preventing unambiguous predictions about the nature and structure of the electrodeposited material. Herein, the complexity of Ni nanoparticles (NPs) electrodeposition on indium tin oxide (ITO) is unraveled operando and at a single entity NP level by optical microscopy correlated to ex situ SEM imaging. Our correlative approach allows differentiating the dynamics of formation of two different NP populations, metallic Ni and Ni(OH)2 with a <25 nm limit of detection, their formation being ruled by the competition between Ni2+ and water reduction. At the single NP level this results in a self-terminated growth, an information which is most often hidden in ensemble averaged measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Ciocci
- Unviersité de Paris, ITODYS, CNRS, 75006, Paris, France
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22
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Deciphering Competitive Routes for Nickel‐Based Nanoparticle Electrodeposition by an Operando Optical Monitoring. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202106420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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