Scientific Achievement

Researchers in the In situ TEM program discovered that direct monitoring the atomic dynamics of electrified solid–liquid interfaces (ESLIs) enabled the discovery of a liquid-like amorphous interphase mediating the surface restructuring during electrocatalytic reactions.

Significance and Impact

This work provided new insights into the electrocatalyst surfaces during reactions laying the foundation for controlling electrochemical reactions by tuning ESLIs.

Research Details

• Developed an advanced polymer electrochemical liquid cell
• Direct liquid cell TEM imaging revealed an unseen fluctuating liquid-like amorphous interphase at the electrified Cu–electrolyte interfaces
• The ESLIs undergoes dynamic transformations, mediating the crystalline Cu surface restructuring and mass loss during CO₂RR

Publication Details

Q. Zhang, J. Shangguan, K. C. Bustillo, P. Ercius, P. Narang, Y. Huang, H. Zheng, Nature (2024).

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07479-w

Work was performed in part at the Molecular Foundry.