Proefschrift
Deciphering the atomic structure of the electrified metal oxide-electrolyte interface
Humanity stands at a pivotal juncture, facing the dual challenge of environmental sustainability and rapid population growth, projected to exceed 11 billion by century’s end.
- Auteur
- N. Deka
- Datum
- 03 april 2025
- Links
- Thesis in Leiden Repository
Addressing this crisis necessitates transformative advancements in energy and chemical production, aligning global industry with ecological constraints. Central to this transition is electrocatalysis, a process that enables the conversion of renewable electricity into chemical energy, facilitating sustainable fuel and chemical synthesis. Key applications include the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ into valuable hydrocarbons and the production of green hydrogen, critical for decarbonizing industrial processes. Metal oxides, widely employed in electrocatalysis, play a fundamental role in energy conversion, yet their interfacial mechanisms remain poorly understood. Advanced characterization techniques, particularly X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), provide unprecedented insights into the electrode-electrolyte interface, guiding the rational design of high-performance catalysts. This research leverages XAS to elucidate the electronic and structural dynamics of metal oxides, paving the way for optimized electrocatalytic systems and a more sustainable chemical industry.