Operando raman spectroscopy study of electrode surfaces

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising energy technology providing high efficiency with low emission. For SOFCs, a little modification on electrode surface can either dramatically enhance or hinder electrode processes. However, the inability to probe surface species/phases under operating conditions, the lack of information on the local properties of hot spots on heterogeneous surfaces, and the inadequate understanding of electro-catalytic mechanisms remain as critical challenges to understand corrosion/promoting dynamics of electrode surfaces. To tackle these problems, I used in situ/operando Raman spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a powerful tool to monitor electrode surfaces. Therefore, I provided scientific basis for knowledge-based design of durable anodes against sulfur-poisoning and high-performance cathode for oxygen reduction reaction. Combination of in situ/operando measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculation offers an effective approach to unravel the mechanisms of electrode reactions, and the developed methodology is applicable to study electrode/catalyst materials in other chemical and electrochemical systems as well.