Lecture
Van Marum Colloquium: Quantum Effects at Electrified Solid-Liquid Interfaces
- Date
- Tuesday 12 May 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Gorlaeus Building
Einsteinweg 55
2333 CC Leiden - Room
- BE.0.08
Abstract
The concept of heterostructures is classical yet still modern, and is used to trigger intriguing physical, chemical or biological phenomena at surfaces or interfaces [1–3]. To date, a wide spectrum of advanced ideas has emerged using various solid-solid heterosystems to observe quantum effects. These examples include superconducting heterostructures [4] and Moiré heterostructures [5]. This talk will discuss on solid-liquid heterostructures, which are made up of various combinations of metallic surfaces and aqueous electrolytes with applied potentials. These structures are also an interesting example of a heterosystem in which various quantum effects can be observed. Here, I will put an emphasis on the observation of quantum supremacy (QS) at these electrified solid-liquid systems. QS is originally a term in quantum computing, and this concept was expanded to define electrocatalyst that leverages specific properties described by quantum mechanics to facilitate electrode processes.[6] Of course every classical (i.e. nonquantum) electrocatalyst can be described by quantum mechanics since it is the universal principle. However, a classical electrocatalyst does not take advantage of specific properties and states, which are afforded by quantum mechanics, to facilitate its reactions. Interpreting observations is the main challenge when discussing QS at electrified solid-liquid interfaces. This is because theories and computational methodologies for modern quantum electrode processes are still in development and subject to debate. Nevertheless, I will demonstrate that observations of QS at electrified solid-liquid interfaces can be investigated using a combination of advanced electrochemical experiments and modern theoretical approaches.[7-9] Specifically, I will discuss on the quantum-to-classical crossover in electrode processes, which could be a key feature in the investigation of QS at electrified solid-liquid interfaces.
References
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- Y. Cao, V. Fatemi, S. Fang, K. Watanabe, T. Taniguchi, E. Kaxiras, P. Jarillo-Herrero, Nature, 2018, 556, 43-50.
- K. Sakaushi, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 11219-11243.
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- K. Sakaushi, Faraday Discuss., 2020, 221, 428-448.
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