Fundamentals and Operando Insights into Electrochemical Solid-Liquid Interfaces

Consequently, water or other molecules can be employed as sources for the generation of molecular hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or alcohols. Despite the necessity for significant engineering efforts to optimize component and system design, as well as operational procedures, fundamental insights at the atomic scale are essential for advancing knowledge-driven optimization of electrode materials. This approach is contingent upon a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes at the electrochemical interfaces and the identification of critical property-function relationships of the working electrocatalysts.

In this lecture, I will provide an overview of the fundamental principles of electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, and methods for electrochemical characterization, with a particular focus on the urgent questions surrounding the production and utilization of hydrogen. Additionally, I will present selected examples of in situ and operando investigations on representative model and nanoparticulate electrocatalysts, emphasizing their significance in advancing our fundamental understanding.