Photo-Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy

Photo-Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy

Helmholtz Young Investigator Research Group

Our research group focuses on material synthesis and nanoscale understanding of solid-liquid interfaces for applications in catalysis and energy conversion. Key catalytic reactions, including CO2 conversion, are challenged by the degradation of the materials employed under operation conditions, performance-limiting inefficiencies at catalyst-electrode interfaces, and limited selectivity and efficiency of the catalysts for multi-electron and proton-coupled transformations.

Deficient nanoscale elucidation of structure-property relationships and dynamic material properties under reaction conditions hamper progress toward the synthesis of the next-generation of material systems.

We address these challenges by employing high spatio-temporal resolution scanning probe microscopy, including atomic force microscopy in liquid phase to decipher in-situ / operando the structural, electronic, and catalytic properties of selected materials under reaction conditions and external stimuli. Combined with a suite of advanced spectroscopic characterization tools, we elucidate nanoscale structure-property relationships and charge-transport phenomena at solid-liquid interfaces. These efforts are combined synergistically with the synthesis of advanced catalytic materials.

Group Members

Recent Publications

peer-reviewed

2024
Y. Peng, C. Zhan, H. Jeon, W. Frandsen, B. Roldan Cuenya and C. Kley: Organic Thin Films Enable Retaining the Oxidation State of Copper Catalysts during CO2 Electroreduction. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 16 (5), 6562–6568 (2024).
2023
M. Munz, J. Poon, W. Frandsen, B. Roldan Cuenya and C. Kley: Nanoscale Electron Transfer Variations at Electrocatalyst–Electrolyte Interfaces Resolved by in Situ Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy. Journal of the American Chemical Society 145 (9), 5242–5251 (2023).
2021
G.H. Simon, C. Kley and B. Roldan Cuenya: Potential‐Dependent Morphology of Copper Catalysts During CO2 Electroreduction Revealed by In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy. Angewandte Chemie International Edition 60 (5), 2561–2568 (2021).

Book Chapters

2024
M. Munz, B. Roldan Cuenya and C. Kley: In Situ Investigation of Catalytic Interfaces by Scanning Probe Microscopy under Electrochemical Conditions. In: Encyclopedia of Solid-Liquid Interfaces. 1st Ed. (Eds.): K. Wandelt and G. Bussetti. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 656–680 (2024).

Articles

non peer-reviewed

2021
B. Roldan Cuenya, A. Bergmann, C. Kley, P. Grosse and S. Oener: Klimaneutralität mittels Katalyse. Jahrbuch / Max-Planck-Gesellschaft 2020, 11659628 (2021).
B. Roldan Cuenya, A. Bergmann, C. Kley, P. Grosse and S. Oener: Maßgeschneiderte Katalysatoren für die grüne Energiewirtschaft. Highlights aus dem Jahrbuch der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft 2020, 8–10 (2021).
B. Roldan Cuenya, A. Bergmann, C. Kley, P. Grosse and S. Oener: Tailor-made catalysts for the green energy industry. Highlights from the yearbook of the Max Planck Society 2020, 8–10 (2021).

Talks

2022
Kley, C.: Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy for Catalysis Research. Challenges on the Renewable Energy Storage Conference, Liblice, Czech Republic (2022)
Kley, C.: Building Fundamental Understanding of CO2 Electroreduction Catalysts by in Situ Microscopy and Spectroscopy. International Nanoscience Students Conference (INASCON), Munich, Germany (2022)
Kley, C.: Building Fundamental Understanding of Electrochemical CO2 Conversion From Local to Global. FHI-Workshop on Current Research at the Interface of Physics and Chemistry, Potsdam, Germany (2022)
Kley, C.: In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy for Correlative Local Analysis of CO2 Conversion Electrocatalysts. nanoGe Spring Meeting (NSM22), Online Event (2022)
Kley, C.: Correlative Electrochemical Microscopy: Building an Understanding of Electrocatalysts From Local to Global. Seminar, Solar Fuels Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Online Event (2022)
2021
Kley, C.: Deciphering Electrocatalysts Under Reaction Conditions by in Situ Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy. International Joint Symposium, Challenge to Develop Innovative Photocatalyst, Online Event (2021)
2020
Kley, C.: Deciphering Electrocatalysts Under Reaction Conditions by In Situ Electrochemical Scanning Probe Microscopy. Seminar, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Online Event (2020)
Kley, C.: Nanoscale Catalysts’ Properties Revealed by in Situ Scanning Probe Microscopy. Symposium Catalysis Science – Quo Vadis?, Online Event (2020)
2019
Kley, C.: Revealing Catalytic Materials at the Nanoscale: From UHV STM to In Situ Electrochemical AFM. The 81st Okazaki Conference, Forefront of Measurement Technologies for Surface Chemistry and Physics in Real-Space, k-Space, and Real-Time, Okazaki, Japan (2019)
Kley, C.: Revealing Catalytic Materials at the Nanoscale: From UHV STM to in Situ Electrochemical AFM. 3rd Sino-German Young Scientist Symposium on Structures & Dynamics at Surfaces, Dalian, China (2019)
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