Over the past two decades, electrochemistry transformed into a widely utilized toolbox for basic physicochemical studies, smart bio- and nanoparticle sensors, environmentally friendly synthesis approaches, and renewable energy technologies. The goal of sustainable conversion and storage of energy from renewable energy sources and non-fossil fuels is of relevance, as almost all technologies discussed for this purpose are based on electrochemical processes: Batteries, supercapacitors, photovoltaic cells, water electrolyzers, fuel cells, etc. Since electrochemical reactions always occur at an electrode, the transport of reactants and products to and from the electrode play a significant role in addition to reaction kinetics, which complicates quantitative understanding. Nanomaterials are often used to achieve large surface areas and high reaction rates. However, their reactivity and transformations are insufficiently described by traditional electrochemical concepts.[1] This inhibits the characterization - and thus the targeted further development - of nanocatalysts, as well as active materials and requires the development of novel electrochemical methods. Single nanoparticle electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry are examples for this, allowing to overcome this limitation by studying chemical reactions and material transformations under working conditions and at an individual nanoparticle scale [2]. Employing these approach, particle property-activity relations, shape and support effects can be determined unambigously and alongside with dynamic changes of these properties. Accoridngly, reliable comaprison of different catalyst materials is enabled and the smart esign of materials with improved propeorties will become possible thanks to the new insights provided by advanced analytical techniques.
References
1. .J. Linnemann, K. Kanokkanchana, K. Tschulik, ACS Catal., 11 (2021) 5318 (https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.0c04118).
2. A. El Arrassi, Z. Liu, M. V. Evers, N. Blanc, G. Bendt, S. Saddeler, D. Tetzlaff, D. Pohl, C. Damm, S. Schulz, K. Tschulik, JACS, 23 (2019) 141 ( https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.9b04516).
3. [3] Z. Liu, H. M.A. Amin, Y. Peng, M. Corva, R. Pentcheva, K. Tschulik, Adv. Funct. Mater., 1 (2023) 2210945 doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202210945
