Measurement Techniques for the Study of Thin Film Heterogeneous Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts

Heterogeneous electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are complicated materials with dynamic structures. They can exhibit potential-induced phase transitions, potential-dependent electronic properties, variable oxidation and protonation states, and disordered local/surface phases. These properties make understanding the OER, and ultimately designing higher efficiency catalysts, challenging. We report a series of procedures and measurement techniques that we have adopted or developed to assess each of the above challenges in understanding materials for the OER. These include the targeted synthesis of hydrated oxyhydroxide phases, the assessment and elimination of electrolyte impurities, the use…

• AP
  Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
• CA
  Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation
• UA
  U.S. Air Force
• DO
  Division of Chemistry

  Award: CHE-1566348