Application of STM techniques for the study of electrocatalytic systems

In the present project in-situ and ex-situ STM will be applied in order to improve the performance of electrocatalysts used in electrochemical energy systems, like fuel cells and water electrolysis cells. The improved understanding of the role of the supp ort material will most likely enable for a further enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of the materials. In general the following goals may be stated: i) Develop procedures for in-situ characterization of electrocatalysts by STM. ii) Increase the understanding of the role of the carbon support material of the electrocatalysts. Specifically the studies will be performed using an ECSTM apparatus Pico SPM from Molecular Imaging, using various carbon materials as the working electrode/surface. Both t he deposition of catalytic materials onto the substrate as well as characterization of the electrochemical performance will be carried out in-situ. In addition catalysts prepared separately will be characterized both in aqueous and gaseous environments. T he specific goals and methodology are given below.