Electrocatalysis

The design and development of efficient electrocatalysts are critical for advancing technologies like renewable energy systems and sustainable chemical processes. Researchers are continually exploring new materials, nanostructures, and catalytic mechanisms to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of electrocatalytic systems.

All of our potentiostats/galvanostats are capable of performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a very well known technique for analyzing systems during operation. Additionally, all of our potentiostats/galvanostats are isolated from Earth ground, making measurements on grounded cells (like electrolyzers!) very easy.

In addition we have potentiostat/galvanostats from our partner Kolibrik that are specifically designed for:

• hydrogen fuel cells
• water electrolyzers
• solid-oxide cells
• redox-flow batteries
• lithium batteries with high-current and high-power requirements

Electrocatalysis is a process where a catalyst facilitates a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. These reactions typically involve the transfer of electrons between reactants at the surface of an electrode immersed in an electrolyte solution.

In an electrocatalytic process, the catalyst itself remains unchanged at the end of the reaction, allowing it to participate repeatedly in the reaction cycle. The primary role of the electrocatalyst is to enhance the rate of electron transfer and promote specific reaction pathways, thereby increasing the efficiency and selectivity of the overall electrochemical process.

Electrocatalysis finds applications in various fields, including energy conversion and storage (such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries), environmental remediation (such as electrochemical water treatment), and chemical synthesis (such as the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals).

1. Energy Conversion and Storage:
   • Fuel Cells: Electrocatalysts play a crucial role in fuel cells by catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode and the fuel oxidation reaction (such as hydrogen oxidation or methanol oxidation) at the anode. This enables the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy with high efficiency and low emissions.
   • Electrolyzers: In electrolysis processes for hydrogen production or other chemicals, electrocatalysts are employed to facilitate the water splitting reaction (hydrogen evolution reaction, HER, and oxygen evolution reaction, OER) to generate hydrogen or other valuable products.
2. Electronics and Materials Science:
   • Electrodeposition: Electrocatalysts are used in electrodeposition processes for the precise and controlled deposition of metals and alloys, enabling the fabrication of electronic devices, coatings, and functional materials with tailored properties.
   • Energy Storage Devices: Electrocatalysts play a role in improving the performance of supercapacitors and other energy storage devices by enhancing charge storage and electrochemical stability.
   • Metal-Air Batteries: Electrocatalysts can enhance the performance of metal-air batteries by facilitating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode, improving battery efficiency and longevity.
3. Environmental Remediation:
   • Electrochemical Water Treatment: Electrocatalysis is utilized in electrochemical wastewater treatment systems for pollutant removal, including organic contaminants and heavy metals. Electrocatalytic reactions can oxidize or reduce pollutants, leading to their degradation or precipitation, respectively.
   • Electrochemical Sensors: Electrocatalysts are employed in electrochemical sensors for detecting various environmental pollutants, such as toxic gases, heavy metals, and organic compounds, enabling rapid and sensitive detection.
4. Chemical Synthesis:
   • Electrosynthesis: As mentioned earlier, electrosynthesis employs electrocatalysts to drive chemical transformations, enabling the selective synthesis of valuable chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. Electrocatalysis offers precise control over reaction conditions and product selectivity, leading to more sustainable and efficient synthesis routes.
   • Carbon Dioxide Reduction:  Reduction: Electrocatalysts can facilitate the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to produce value-added chemicals and fuels, contributing to efforts for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Electronics and Materials Science:
   • Electrodeposition: Electrocatalysts are used in electrodeposition processes for the precise and controlled deposition of metals and alloys, enabling the fabrication of electronic devices, coatings, and functional materials with tailored properties.
   • Energy Storage Devices: Electrocatalysts play a role in improving the performance of supercapacitors and other energy storage devices by enhancing charge storage and electrochemical stability.