Structural and Electoanalytical Characterization of Energy Conversion Catalysts and Energy Storage Materials

Development of structure-function correlations in energy-conversion catalysts and energy storage materials is a critical imperative for propagating rational, mechanism-driven synthesis of efficient device components. Exhaustive structural characterization methods that span ex-situ and in-situ microscopy and spectroscopy techniques will allow for the elucidation of reaction mechanisms that are inherently dependent upon material composition, morphology, and electronic structure.

To compliment structural characterization methods, precise electroanalytical screening and quantitative analytical methods will identify promising materials with applications in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical reduction (H2 evolution, CO2 reduction, N2 fixation) and oxidation (O2 evolution) of small molecules, as well as in rechargeable batteries (multivalent intercalant hosts).