A recent development spearheaded by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has revolutionized the examination of electrochemical processes at the atomic level, providing groundbreaking insights into the behavior of catalyst materials. Electrochemical reactions play a crucial role in various technologies, including batteries, fuel cells, and solar-powered fuel generation. They also play a vital role in biological processes and the formation of metal ores underground.
The team of scientists at Berkeley Lab has created a polymer liquid cell (PLC) that, when combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), allows for unprecedented views of electrochemical reactions at an atomic scale. This pioneering device can freeze a reaction at specific timepoints, enabling researchers to observe changes in composition at each stage. In a recent publication in Nature, the team employed the PLC to investigate a copper catalyst involved in the reduction of carbon dioxide to generate fuels, offering unique insights into the process.
Lead author Haimei Zheng, a senior scientist at Berkeley Lab, expressed her enthusiasm about this technical breakthrough, highlighting the potential to observe complex phenomena at the solid-liquid interface in real-time. The ability to witness the movement of catalyst surface atoms and their transformation into different structures during electrocatalytic reactions is a significant advancement.
The researchers are optimistic about extending the use of the PLC to other electrocatalytic materials, with initial investigations focusing on issues in lithium and zinc batteries. The broader implications of this technology are far-reaching, with potential improvements in all electrochemical-driven technologies on the horizon.
The copper catalyst system studied by the team is of particular interest due to its ability to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into valuable carbon-based chemicals such as methanol and ethanol. By examining the solid-liquid interface of the catalyst system, the researchers were able to capture unprecedented images and data. Their observations revealed unexpected transformations at the interface, including the formation of an “amorphous interphase” between the surface and the electrolyte.
Co-first author Qiubo Zhang, a postdoctoral research fellow in Zheng’s lab, stressed the potential for leveraging the dynamics of the amorphous interphase to improve the selectivity of the catalyst for specific carbon products. Additionally, understanding the interphase will aid in developing catalyst systems with longer operational lifetimes by combatting degradation over time.
The team’s discovery challenges previous understandings of solid-liquid interfaces, prompting a reevaluation of strategies for catalyst design. The continuous changes in the structure of the amorphous interphase during the reaction have significant implications for performance, offering an opportunity to enhance catalyst efficiency and stability.
The research represents a collaborative effort, with contributions from multiple authors and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science. This work underscores the critical role of advanced research facilities such as the Molecular Foundry at Berkeley Lab, which provides scientists with the tools needed to push the boundaries of scientific exploration.
The breakthrough achieved by the team at Berkeley Lab marks a significant advancement in the field of atomic-level catalyst research. The ability to observe electrochemical processes at an unprecedented resolution opens the door to a new era of catalyst design and development, with far-reaching implications for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) remains dedicated to delivering impactful solutions through its research in clean energy, environmental conservation, and discovery science. As a multiprogramme national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Berkeley Lab continues to drive groundbreaking research and innovation that shapes the future of scientific exploration.