The development of efficient renewable energy conversion and storage devices is one of the most important challenges of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Fuel cell catalysis, CO<sub>2</sub> reduction, etc. are promising reactions for transforming our energy economy. However, these reactions are sluggish because of unfavorable reaction kinetics, and suffer from poor product selectivity. Ordered intermetallic compounds (OIC) can exhibit enhanced performance and selectivity for mediating electrochemical reactions relative to solid-solution alloys. However, OIC often require high temperature and pressure to synthesize, resulting in poor control of the morphology. This talk will discuss our efforts on the synthesis, stability, and catalytic activity of OICs prepared by electrochemical methods at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Our strategies include the use of 1) electrochemically induced phase conversion processes to convert and alloy material into an ordered intermetallic material richer in nobler metal, and 2) electrochemical deposition. Developing new methods for preparing OIC compounds under ambient conditions is essential for designing catalysts for the next generation of renewable energy conversion devices.

Atomic-scale insights into electrocatalyst structure and function

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.