Hydrogen is the simplest solar fuel to produce and while good progress has been made on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), ironically it is the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) which is causing the largest energy losses. We shall demonstrate how mass-selected nanoparticles synthesized, can be used to elucidate the activity for processes related to electrolysis both under alkaline and acidic conditions. In the first case size dependence and isotope labelled experiments will be presented for NiFe nanoparticles for oxygen evolution under alkaline conditions. Here we shall demonstrate a new principle for dynamic detection of gas evolution allowing for a clear distinction between redox states and actual OER. Caveats of various records and their validity will be discussed. Similar methods will be used to elucidate size dependence and efficiency for catalysts related to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under acidic conditions and evaluate the scalability of scarce and expensive elements like Ruthenium and Iridium. The ultimate limit for Oxygen evolution will be discussed for RuO<sub>x</sub>films and it will be demonstrated how oxygen evolutions can be measured to below 100 mV overpotential.  The same principles will be used to demonstrate investigation of conversion of CO or CO2 into valuable fuels and chemical electrocatalysis. In the latter case we shall show how the new method mentioned above can been used to investigate he dynamical influence of surface oxygen on the selectivity for electrochemical methane/ethene production of CO over mass-selected Copper nanoparticles or the influence of atomic steps on Au(111). If time allows, I shall also briefly touch upon electrochemical ammonia productions – facts or dreams.<br/>

Catalytic materials for the making of renewable fuels and chemicals

2019 Fall National Meeting

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