Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Spectroscopic investigation of the electrochemical interface for sustainable electrocatalysis

Objective

The structure of the double layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface dictates the electrocatalytic performance. A better understanding of the double layer is thus necessary for the optimization of key reactions such as the electrocatalytic hydrogen production and the CO2 electroconversion to value-added products, both of which are central to transitioning to carbon-free fuel alternatives. However, there is currently a significant lack of appropriate characterization methods to resolve this interfacial region. Meanwhile, recent results demonstrate that the models so far employed to predict the physical behavior at the double layer are incomplete. Therefore, for the field of electrocatalysis to reach its performance targets, it is critical we develop new techniques to fill this gap in our understanding of the catalyst-electrolyte interface. In this work, we propose to leverage the unique properties of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and total electron yield X-ray absorption spectroscopy (TEY-XAS) in a dip-an-pull geometry to resolve the concentration and configuration of the ions and water molecules present in the double layer. Using single crystal electrodes that are well-defined surfaces, we propose to use these spectroscopic insights to verify the nature of non-specific ion-water-electrode interactions suggested by previous electrochemical and computational investigations. Once optimized, we propose to expand the application of this spectroscopic approach to electrocatalytically relevant conditions for the hydrogen evolution reaction on Pt(111) and for the CO2 reduction reaction on Au(111). The as-described methodology will not only provide unprecedented insights into the elusive contribution of the double layer during electrocatalysis, but it will also enable the standardization of a powerful characterization tool that will greatly benefit the field of surface chemistry and catalysis.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 187 624,32
Address
RAPENBURG 70
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands

See on map

Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data
My booklet 0 0