Atomic-scale identification of catalyst active sites using electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy

Overview

Catalysts have an important role to play in electrochemical reactions. By reducing the energy required for a reaction, they can save electricity and make feasible the reactions that will enable future sustainable technologies, such as the evolution of hydrogen from water. Optimisation of catalysts requires a detailed mechanistic understanding of their function. A key aspect of this is determining, at the atomic scale, the reactive sites on the catalyst surface. This type of insight can be provided by performing atomic-scale imaging within an operating electrochemical cell using a technique called electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy (EC-STM).

Research activities

In this project, you will contribute to the commissioning and benchmarking of QUT’s new EC-STM. This is a commercial instrument for which we need to establish standard operating procedures and protocols for sample and tip preparation. This will involve the study of benchmark systems, followed by an extension to studying new catalyst materials.

Outcomes

Project aims and outcomes:

• development of a protocol for EC-STM tip preparation
• benchmarking of the EC-STM using known systems (e.g. atomic resolution imaging of clean metal surfaces under electrochemical conditions)
• testing of new catalyst materials under electrochemical conditions, with the aim of identifying active sites.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate for this project is a physics or chemistry student with a strong interest in experimental technique development and the application of cutting-edge instrumentation to sustainable energy technologies.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

• catalyst
• imaging
• instrumentation
• electrochemistry

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.