Seeing is Believing: Shining Light on Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry plays a crucial role in virtually all energy conversion and storage technologies. The complexity of electrochemically-driven reactions and transformations is masked by the apparent simplicity of “global reactions”. While traditional current-voltage measurements have untangled some aspects of electrochemistry, much is not understood. We are employing synchrotron-based spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to shed light on the detailed kinetics and thermodynamics of electrochemical reactions. In this talk, I will present new insights on heterogeneous reactions taking place on solid-state fuel cells and electrolyzers, as well as electrochemically-driven phase transformation in intercalation battery electrodes.