Reaction Rate Testing
Figure 1. Researchers use a shielded cell to assess nanoparticles in electrochemical experiments. Source: RUB/Kramer.
Their microscopy studies show that the nanoparticles barely change despite the high reaction rates they achieve. “Their stability under extreme conditions is exceptional,” Tschulik stresses.
The next step is the systematic study of the many properties — including particle size, composition, shape and defects — that play a role in the nanocatalyst activity. “We want to study these separately to figure out how each affects the oxygen evolution reaction,” she adds.
For this reason, the researchers for the time being are limiting their investigations to transition metal oxides: “Once we have identified the exact link between structure and reactivity, we will be able to control the synthesis of these nanocatalysts at a large scale and study their performance in large systems,” she explains.
However, Tschulik emphasizes that her team’s single particle studies themselves aren’t meant for large-scale application. Rather, they will serve as a tool for screening promising materials and identifying and optimizing their essential parameters. “Then, these intrinsically highly active nanocatalysts can be used in the conventional way for scaling up,” she concludes.