Engineering and direct imaging of nanocube self-assembly pathways
December 17, 2024
Tuesday publication post! In this newest publication from #NanyangUniversity in Singapore, Shu Fen Tan, Hany Roslie, Teddy Salim, Zengyu Han, Dongshuang Wu,Caihong Liang, LimFong Teo, and Yeng Ming Lam looked at Cu nanoparticle plating on carbon nanotubes using the #PoseidonAX system!
In the race to develop more sustainable energy solutions, supported nonprecious metal catalysts like copper (Cu) are emerging as promising alternatives to Pt-based catalysts for electrochemical reactions. To truly optimize their performance, a deep understanding of the deposition mechanisms is crucial. In this study, liquid phase electron microscopy was used to observe the electrodeposition of Cu on carbon nanotubes and graphene derivatives in real-time using in situ liquid cell TEM.
By combining real-time imaging, electrochemical measurements, XPS, and finite-element analysis (FEA), the authors uncovered how carbon nanotubes serve as an ideal support material for generating finely dispersed, uniform Cu catalysts under mild electrochemical conditions. These catalysts show strong activity toward nitrate reduction reactions (NO3RRs), supported by DFT calculations.
⚡Due to the high precision measurements of the Poseidon AX, it was possible to explore how nitrogen doping guides Cu deposition, though with trade-offs in NO3RR activity due to lower conductivity.
This approach marks a significant step in reducing the reliance on precious metals while enhancing catalyst durability for energy storage and electrocatalysis applications. ⚡
Want to read the entire paper? Find it here:
https://www.doi.org/10.1038/s41929-024-01187-4
Want to broaden the scope of electrochemistry using in situ techniques? Find our newest Triton AX solution here:
In the video the Cu plating and dissolution can be observed on the carbon nanotubes.
#Protochips #FindYourBreakthrough #InSituLiquidPhase #Electrocatalysis #OperandoStudies
