Surface nanostructuring
Image credit: E. Plaza-Mayoral et al.
Surface nanostructuring and controlled electrodeposition allow engineering the structure of the electrocatalytically active site for energy conversion and electrosynthesis reactions. We investigate different approaches to modify the structure of the electrode surface at the atomic level and thus tune electronic and/or atomic ensemble effects in electrocatalysis. In addition, we have recently developed a novel method to fabricate bimetallic and multimetallic nanostructures by metal electrodeposition in deep eutectic solvents (DES). DES are non-toxic solvents formed by the mixture between a quaternary ammonium salt and a neutral proton donor. They show wide potential limits, enough conductivity, and high solubility of the majority of the metals and do not require surfactant agents or additives for the controlled growth of the nanostructures. With this simple and eco-friendly method, we can prepare high surface area nanocatalysts with tunable morphology and structure for electrocatalytic reactions.
Key publications:
P. Sebastián-Pascual, I.J. Pereira, M. Escudero-Escribano*, “Tailored electrocatalysts by controlled electrochemical deposition and surface nanostructuring”, Chemical Communications, 2020, 56, 13261.
E. Plaza-Mayoral, P. Sebastián-Pascual*, K.N. Dalby, K.D. Jensen, I. Chorkendorff, H. Falsig, M. Escudero-Escribano*, “Preparation of high surface area Cu-Au bimetallic nanostructured materials by co-electrodeposition in a deep eutectic solvent”, Electrochimica Acta, 2021, 398, 139309.