Dissertation
Catalysis of the electrochemical water oxidation to oxygen
Promotor: M.T.M. Koper, Co-Promotor: F. Calle-Vallejo
- Author
- O.A. Diaz Morales
- Date
- 19 November 2015
- Links
- Thesis in Leiden Repository
This thesis discusses the parameters affecting the catalysis for the electrochemical conversion of water into oxygen. The slow kinetics for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the major bottlenecks in the solar energy-to-fuels conversion process, which reduces the efficiency for the photo-electrochemical fuels generation (artificial photosynthesis). The work shows that to enhance the kinetics for the oxygen evolution reaction, one should not only look at the catalysts but also consider the synergy between catalyst and electrolyte. A more general approach that considers the electrochemical interface as a whole (electrode + electrolyte) is therefore the most promising route towards optimal activity.