To achieve the scientific objectives of this project, three work packages (WPs) with their corresponding tasks (Ts) were implemented. WP1 focused on sample preparation. For that, two tasks were defined: growth of thin films (T1.1) and Fe addition (T1.2). For T1.1 a reproducible protocol to grow ordered nickel oxide thin films under ultra-high vacuum conditions was established. Besides, the optimum conditions to add iron to nickel oxide were determined. WP2 comprises the electrochemical testing of the samples prepared in WP1. This was achieved by two tasks: OER with thin film catalysts (T2.1) and OER with Fe-modified catalysts (T2.2.). In this WP, the most active sample of the studied ones was determined. Besides, with the combination of ultra-high vacuum surface characterization techniques and operando approaches, unique effects of iron addition to nickel oxide during the reaction were identified. In WP3, magnetism and electrocatalysis, one task was performed: the study of a magnetic field in catalysis (T3.1). The results show that there is no effect on the activity when a magnetic field is applied at the conditions and catalysts studied in this work. In addition to achieving the scientific objectives, three work packages were dedicated to fulfilling the training objectives for the researcher: integration and training (WP4), dissemination and outreach (WP5), and progress monitoring and risk management (WP6).
The received training on new techniques includes the following experimental approaches: scanning probe microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption, comprising experimental work as well as analysis. Training on the latter three methods was possible by internal collaboration with other groups of the department (Structure and Reactivity group, Operando Hard X-ray spectroscopy group, Dynamics at Electrocatalytic interfaces group). In addition to the experimental skills, the workshop Python for Electrochemistry (organized by DynaKat) improved my capabilities for the data analysis using python. In the workshop Gender and/in science (organized by the gender equality office of the FHI), I received a specific training towards strategic career planning dedicated to woman in STEM. In the session Paving your future career (organized by YounGeCatS), I learnt about different ways that successful researchers followed to obtain their independent researcher position.
The results of the project were presented in five conferences and sessions. Each attended conference was focused on a distinct research field. Thus, the results were shared with researchers from surface science, electrochemistry, and engineering. In addition, two manuscripts are being drafted, which will summarize the main results obtained during the project. The project´s work reached high school students through my participation in an activity organized by members of the host department. This activity offers high school students the opportunity to undertake an internship period at our research facility. Besides, I gave a talk to researchers thinking about pursuing a scientific career, entitled Life and Academia in the early years and organized by CIC energiGUNE. The media used to disseminate the project was LinkedIn.
