Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer(PEMWE)is crucial for the storage and conversion of renewable energy.However,the harsh anode environment and the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),which involves a four-electron...Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer(PEMWE)is crucial for the storage and conversion of renewable energy.However,the harsh anode environment and the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),which involves a four-electron transfer,result in a significant overpotential that limits the overall efficiency of hydrogen production.Identifying active sites in the OER is crucial for understanding the reaction mechanism and guiding the development of novel electrocatalysts with high activity,cost-effectiveness,and durability.Herein,we summarize the widely accepted OER mechanism in acidic media,in situ characterization and monitoring of active sites during the reaction,and provide a general understanding of the active sites on various catalysts in the OER,including Ir-based metals,Ir-based oxides,carbon/oxide-supported Ir,Ir-based perovskite oxides,and Ir-based pyrochlore oxides.For each type of electrocatalysts,reaction pathways and actual active sites are proposed based on in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations.Finally,the challenges and strategic research directions associated with the design of highly efficient Ir-based electrocatalysts are discussed,offering new insights for the further scientific advancement and practical application of acidic OER.展开更多
Energy storage is an ever-growing global concern due to increased energy needs and resource exhaustion.Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)have called increasing attention and achieved substantial progress in recent years owing...Energy storage is an ever-growing global concern due to increased energy needs and resource exhaustion.Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)have called increasing attention and achieved substantial progress in recent years owing to the abundance and even distribution of Na resources in the crust,and the predicted low cost of the technique.Nevertheless,SIBs still face challenges like lower energy density and inferior cycling stability compared to mature lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Enhancing the electrochemical performance of SIBs requires an in-deep and comprehensive understanding of the improvement strategies and the underlying reaction mechanism elucidated by in situ techniques.In this review,commonly applied in situ techniques,for instance,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Raman spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),and X-ray absorption near-edge structure(XANES),and their applications on the representative cathode and anode materials with selected samples are summarized.We discuss the merits and demerits of each type of material,strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance,and the applications of in situ characterizations of them during the de/sodiation process to reveal the underlying reaction mechanism for performance improvement.We aim to elucidate the composition/structure-per formance relationship to provide guidelines for rational design and preparation of electrode materials toward high electrochemical performance.展开更多
Electrochemical water splitting has attracted considerable attention for the production of hydrogen fuel by using renewable energy resources.However,the sluggish reaction kinetics make it essential to explore precious...Electrochemical water splitting has attracted considerable attention for the production of hydrogen fuel by using renewable energy resources.However,the sluggish reaction kinetics make it essential to explore precious-metal-free electrocatalysts with superior activity and long-term stability.Tremendous efforts have been made in exploring electrocatalysts to reduce the energy barriers and improve catalytic efficiency.This review summarizes different categories of precious-metal-free electrocatalysts developed in the past 5 years for alkaline water splitting.The design strategies for optimizing the electronic and geometric structures of electrocatalysts with enhanced catalytic performance are discussed,including composition modulation,defect engineering,and structural engineering.Particularly,the advancement of operando/in situ characterization techniques toward the understanding of structural evolution,reaction intermediates,and active sites during the water splitting process are summarized.Finally,current challenges and future perspectives toward achieving efficient catalyst systems for industrial applications are proposed.This review will provide insights and strategies to the design of precious-metalfree electrocatalysts and inspire future research in alkaline water splitting.展开更多
The solid-solid electrode-electrolyte interface represents an important component in solid-state batteries(SSBs),as ionic diffusion,reaction,transformation,and restructuring could all take place.As these processes str...The solid-solid electrode-electrolyte interface represents an important component in solid-state batteries(SSBs),as ionic diffusion,reaction,transformation,and restructuring could all take place.As these processes strongly influence the battery performance,studying the evolution of the solid-solid interfaces,particularly in situ during battery operation,can provide insights to establish the structure-property relationship for SSBs.Synchrotron X-ray techniques,owing to their unique penetration power and diverse approaches,are suitable to investigate the buried interfaces and examine structural,compositional,and morphological changes.In this review,we will discuss various surface-sensitive synchrotron-based scattering,spectroscopy,and imaging methods for the in situ characterization of solid-solid interfaces and how this information can be correlated to the electrochemical properties of SSBs.The goal is to overview the advantages and disadvantages of each technique by highlighting representative examples,so that similar strategies can be applied by battery researchers and beyond to study similar solid-solid interface systems.展开更多
Ex situ characterization techniques in molecular beam epitaxy(MBE)have inherent limitations,such as being prone to sample contamination and unstable surfaces during sample transfer from the MBE chamber.In recent years...Ex situ characterization techniques in molecular beam epitaxy(MBE)have inherent limitations,such as being prone to sample contamination and unstable surfaces during sample transfer from the MBE chamber.In recent years,the need for improved accuracy and reliability in measurement has driven the increasing adoption of in situ characterization techniques.These techniques,such as reflection high-energy electron diffraction,scanning tunneling microscopy,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,allow direct observation of film growth processes in real time without exposing the sample to air,hence offering insights into the growth mechanisms of epitaxial films with controlled properties.By combining multiple in situ characterization techniques with MBE,researchers can better understand film growth processes,realizing novel materials with customized properties and extensive applications.This review aims to overview the benefits and achievements of in situ characterization techniques in MBE and their applications for material science research.In addition,through further analysis of these techniques regarding their challenges and potential solutions,particularly highlighting the assistance of machine learning to correlate in situ characterization with other material information,we hope to provide a guideline for future efforts in the development of novel monitoring and control schemes for MBE growth processes with improved material properties.展开更多
Gas-involved electrochemical reactions provide feasible solutions to the worldwide energy crisis and environmental pollution.It has been recognized that various elements of the reaction system,including catalysts,inte...Gas-involved electrochemical reactions provide feasible solutions to the worldwide energy crisis and environmental pollution.It has been recognized that various elements of the reaction system,including catalysts,intermediates,and products,will undergo real-time variations during the reaction process,which are of significant meaning to the in-depth understanding of reaction mechanisms,material structure,and active sites.As judicious tools for real-time monitoring of the changes in these complex elements,in situ techniques have been exposed to the spotlight in recent years.This review aims to highlight significant progress of various advanced in situ characterization techniques,such as in situ X-ray based technologies,in situ spectrum technologies,and in situ scanning probe technologies,that enhance our understanding of heterogeneous electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction,nitrogen reduction reaction,and hydrogen evolution reaction.We provide a summary of recent advances in the development and applications of these in situ characterization techniques,from the working principle and detection modes to detailed applications in different reactions,along with key questions that need to be addressed.Finally,in view of the unique application and limitation of different in situ characterization techniques,we conclude by putting forward some insights and perspectives on the development direction and emerging combinations in the future.展开更多
In this study,ZnO formation during the dissolution-passivation process of Zn anodes is observed via in situ Raman and optical characterization.The Zn passivation during galvanostatic anodization merely follows the dis...In this study,ZnO formation during the dissolution-passivation process of Zn anodes is observed via in situ Raman and optical characterization.The Zn passivation during galvanostatic anodization merely follows the dissolution-precipitation model,whereas that of potentiodynamic polarization exhibits different behaviors in different potential ranges.Initially,the Zn electrode is gradually covered by a ZnO precipitation film and then undergoes solid-state oxidation at~255 mV.The starting point of solid-state oxidation is well indicated by the abrupt current drop and yellow coloration of the electrode surface.During the pseudo passivation,an intense current oscillation is observed.Further,blink-like color changes between yellow and dark blue are revealed for the first time,implying that the oscillation is caused by the dynamic adsorption and desorption of OH groups.The as-formed ZnOs then experience a dissolution-reformation evolution,during which the crystallinity of the primary ZnO film is improved but the solid-state-formed ZnO layer becomes rich in oxygen vacancies.Eventually,oxide densification is realized,contributing to the Zn passivation.This study provides new insights into the Zn dissolution-passivation behavior,which is critical for the future optimization of Zn batteries.展开更多
Energy-intensive chemical manufacturing is one of the largest contributors to global CO_(2) emissions.With the vigorous development of renewable energy,the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has becom...Energy-intensive chemical manufacturing is one of the largest contributors to global CO_(2) emissions.With the vigorous development of renewable energy,the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has become a sustainable technology for recycling.To broaden the variety of products,the N-integrated electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR(Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR)constructs a new element conversion pathway by introducing nitrogen upon CO_(2)RR.However,the product selectivity of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR is still very low,which seriously restricts its practical application.In recent years,an increasing amount of research has focused on upgrading the performance of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR.Accurate understanding of its catalytic mechanism,that is,obtaining online information about reaction intermediates by in situ characterization techniques,can guide the optimization of electrocatalytic systems.Currently,this method makes great contributions in the field of electrocatalysis,including Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR mechanism research.This review briefly summarizes the research status and existing reaction intermediates of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR and explains how the investigation of intermediates can improve electrocatalytic selectivity.Meanwhile,the application of in situ characterization techniques for analyzing different types of intermediates in Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR and its related fields are emphasized in this review.The significant value of these technologies in revealing electrocatalytic mechanisms can help improve electrocatalytic selectivity,allowing for future optimization of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR.展开更多
With the rapid development of the economy,increasing demand for energy storage and electric vehicles require electrode materials for batteries with high energy density,safety,and cyclability,especially for lithium-ion...With the rapid development of the economy,increasing demand for energy storage and electric vehicles require electrode materials for batteries with high energy density,safety,and cyclability,especially for lithium-ion(Li-ion)battery cathodes.However,the understanding of their degradation mechanism remains insufficient due to the complex battery system,the transient nature of the de/lithiation processes,and the lack of advanced characterization techniques.Among these challenges,the mechanism of the Li-rich layered cathode family with high operating voltage and cationic-anionic hybrid charge compensation is particularly difficult to study.For the Li-rich family,their electrochemical mechanisms,for example,oxygen redox reaction and structural evolution,were almost impossible to completely clarify in terms of conventional characterization techniques until the development of various in situ techniques.It is obvious that advanced in situ techniques have accelerated the pace of scientific truth exploration.In this review,these intricate mechanisms revealed by various in situ techniques are summarized to clarify the failure mechanism of Li-rich layered cathodes,and an outlook on the application of these advanced techniques within different battery systems is provided.This review highlights how in situ devices can clearly reveal complex mechanisms and further provides the consultation on characterization techniques for mechanism exploration in various research fields.展开更多
Nickel-based catalysts have emerged as crucial components in alkaline oxygen evolution reactions(OER)due to their exceptional catalytic performance and unique structural properties.However,the understanding of their c...Nickel-based catalysts have emerged as crucial components in alkaline oxygen evolution reactions(OER)due to their exceptional catalytic performance and unique structural properties.However,the understanding of their catalytic mechanisms remains incomplete.This review systematically explores the various types of Ni-based catalysts,including metal-organic frameworks(MOFs),perovskites,and layered double hydroxides(LDHs),while emphasizing their performance metrics.We critically assess the application of advanced in situ characterization techniques,such as in situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS),in elucidating the structural evolution and active species during the OER process.By addressing the interplay between catalyst structure and performance,this review aims to provide insights that drive future research efforts toward the optimization of Ni-based catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.Key areas for potential research advancements are also identified.展开更多
Probing effective strategies to accelerate the transformation of sulfur species and alleviate the accumulation of lithium polysulfides is of profound significance for breaking through the bottlenecks of the intrinsic ...Probing effective strategies to accelerate the transformation of sulfur species and alleviate the accumulation of lithium polysulfides is of profound significance for breaking through the bottlenecks of the intrinsic redox kinetics and shuttle effect of lithium–sulfur batteries(LSBs).Introducing catalysts is regarded as a straightforward approach to reduce the conversion barrier of sulfur species for enhancing the performance of LSBs.However,the catalytic mechanism is elusive due to the time-varying,process-dependent,and enclosed reaction processes.Therefore,monitoring the evolution of catalysts and sulfur species by in situ characterization during the full process of the redox reaction is essential to reveal the kinetics and the mechanism of catalytic conversion,which may promote novel and efficient catalyst design.This review outlines the recent progress of in situ characterization techniques to investigate the catalytic mechanism.We focus on the evaluation of the catalytic effect and clarification of the catalytic mechanism by in situ characterization techniques.In addition,a perspective on improving the in situ characterization methods and linked data analysis are proposed to offer research suggestions in the field.展开更多
The management of nitrogenous waste emissions presents significant environmental and health challenges.Efficient and sustainable upcycling strategies are needed to convert waste nitrogen compounds into valuable resour...The management of nitrogenous waste emissions presents significant environmental and health challenges.Efficient and sustainable upcycling strategies are needed to convert waste nitrogen compounds into valuable resources.Electrocatalysis has emerged as a promising solution for waste management,but several challenges remain,including the identification of suitable electrocatalysts and understanding the complex reaction mechanisms.In this review,we focus on the progress in electrocatalytic oxidized nitrogen waste upgrading and utilization,highlighting the application of advanced in situ/operando characterization techniques,including X-ray spectroscopy,scanning electrochemical microscopy and others.These techniques provide valuable insights into the structural and chemical properties of electrocatalysts as well as intermediates during electrochemical reactions,enabling a better understanding of reaction mechanisms and optimization of reaction conditions.The review explores the mechanisms of electrocatalytic upcycling of nitrogenous waste,including nitrate/nitrite reduction,nitric oxide reduction,and carbon dioxide and nitrate co-reduction reactions.Additionally,future research directions and development trends are discussed,offering a relevant guide for the development of sustainable electrocatalytic technologies for waste management and resource recovery.展开更多
Photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into value-added chemicals holds significant promise for carbon-neutral recycling and solar-to-fuel conversion.Enhancing reaction efficiency by manipulating charge transfer is a key appr...Photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into value-added chemicals holds significant promise for carbon-neutral recycling and solar-to-fuel conversion.Enhancing reaction efficiency by manipulating charge transfer is a key approach to unlocking this potential.In this work,we construct a two-dimensional/twodimensional(2D/2D)FeSe_(2)/protonated carbon nitride(FeSe_(2)/PCN)heterostructure to promote the interfacial charge transfer dynamics,leading to a four-fold improved conversion efficiency of photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction with near 100%CO selectivity.Combining in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,in situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy,and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy,it is revealed that FeSe_(2)acts as an electron acceptor upon photoexcitation,introducing an additional electron transfer pathway from PCN to FeSe_(2)that suppresses radiative recombination and promotes charge transfer.In situ X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy,and density functional theory calculation further unravel that the electron-enriched FeSe_(2)functions as the active sites for CO_(2)activation and significantly reduces the energy barrier of key intermediate COOH*formation,which is the rate-determined step for CO generation.This work underscores the importance of regulating photocarrier relaxation pathways to achieve effective spatial charge separation for promoted photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction and demonstrates the powerful functions of in situ spectroscopies in in-depth understanding of the photocatalytic mechanism.展开更多
1 Results Electropolymerized azines are considered an important group of mediators for NAD+/ NADH-based biocatalytic applications[1].Characterizing these electroactive polymers in situ on electrode surface is vital to...1 Results Electropolymerized azines are considered an important group of mediators for NAD+/ NADH-based biocatalytic applications[1].Characterizing these electroactive polymers in situ on electrode surface is vital to understand their behavior and properties.We recently studied the polymer deposition on electrodes using imaging ellipsometry (IE) as an in situ technique[2].The observation of surface morphology development can be conducted in cyclic voltammetric cycles in a nanometer scale.We then combine...展开更多
Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)face significant challenges in achieving reversibility and cycling stability,primarily due to hydrogen evolution reactions(HER)and zinc dendrite growth.In this study,by employing car...Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)face significant challenges in achieving reversibility and cycling stability,primarily due to hydrogen evolution reactions(HER)and zinc dendrite growth.In this study,by employing carefully designed cells that approximate the structural characteristics of practical batteries,we revisit this widely held view through in-operando X-ray radiography to examine zinc dendrite formation and HER under nearpractical operating conditions.While conventional understanding emphasizes the severity of these processes,our findings suggest that zinc dendrites and HER are noticeably less pronounced in dense,real-operation configurations compared to modified cells,possibly due to a more uniform electric field and the suppression of triple-phase boundaries.This study indicates that other components,such as degradation at the cathode current collector interface and configuration mismatches within the full cell,may also represent important barriers to the practical application of AZMBs,particularly during the early stages of electrodeposition.展开更多
The formation of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) and ion intercalation are two key processes in rechargeable batteries, which need to be explored under dynamic operating conditions. In this work, both planar and san...The formation of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) and ion intercalation are two key processes in rechargeable batteries, which need to be explored under dynamic operating conditions. In this work, both planar and sandwich model lithium batteries consisting of Li metal | ionic liquid electrolyte | graphite electrode have been constructed and investigated by a series of in situ surface analysis platforms including atomic force microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the choice of electrolyte, including the concentration and contents, has a profound effect on the SEI formation and evolution, and the subsequent ion intercalation. A smooth and compact SEI is preferably produced in highconcentration electrolytes, with FSI^(-) salt superior to TFSI^(-) salt, facilitating the lithiation/delithiation to achieve high capacity and excellent cycle stability, while suppressing the co-intercalation of electrolyte solvent ions. The innovative research scenario of well-defined model batteries in combination with multiple genuinely in situ surface analysis methods presented herein leads to insightful results, which provide valuable strategies for the rational design and optimization of practical batteries, and energy storage devices in general.展开更多
In situ x-ray diffraction electrochemical method is used to study the activation of silver electrode in KCl solution and UPD lead on silver electrode surface. We found that the activation makes the silver crystal thic...In situ x-ray diffraction electrochemical method is used to study the activation of silver electrode in KCl solution and UPD lead on silver electrode surface. We found that the activation makes the silver crystal thicker in (111), and the arrangement of water molecules on the silver electrode surface with UPD lead is partially ordered.展开更多
Electrochemical energy conversion technologies involving processes such as water splitting and O_(2)/CO_(2) reduction,provide promising solutions for addressing global energy scarcity and minimizing adverse environmen...Electrochemical energy conversion technologies involving processes such as water splitting and O_(2)/CO_(2) reduction,provide promising solutions for addressing global energy scarcity and minimizing adverse environmental impact.However,due to a lack of an in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms and the nature of the active sites,further advancement of these techniques has been limited by the development of efficient and robust catalysts.Therefore,in situ characterization of these electrocatalytic processes under working conditions is essential.In this review,recent applications of in situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy for various nano-and single-atom catalysts in energy-related reactions are summarized.Notable cases are highlighted,including the capture of oxygen-containing intermediate species formed during the reduction of oxygen and oxidation of hydrogen,and the detection of catalyst structural transformations occurring with the change in potential during the evolution of oxygen and reduction of CO_(2).Finally,the challenges and outlook for advancing in situ spectroscopic technologies to gain a deeper fundamental understanding of these energy-related electrocatalytic processes are discussed.展开更多
Non-volatile memory(NVM)devices with non-volatility and low power consumption properties are important in the data storage field.The switching mechanism and packaging reliability issues in NVMs are of great research i...Non-volatile memory(NVM)devices with non-volatility and low power consumption properties are important in the data storage field.The switching mechanism and packaging reliability issues in NVMs are of great research interest.The switching process in NVM devices accompanied by the evolution of microstructure and composition is fast and subtle.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)with high spatial resolution and versatile external fields is widely used in analyzing the evolution of morphology,structures and chemical compositions at atomic scale.The various external stimuli,such as thermal,electrical,mechanical,optical and magnetic fields,provide a platform to probe and engineer NVM devices inside TEM in real-time.Such advanced technologies make it possible for an in situ and interactive manipulation of NVM devices without sacrificing the resolution.This technology facilitates the exploration of the intrinsic structure-switching mechanism of NVMs and the reliability issues in the memory package.In this review,the evolution of the functional layers in NVM devices characterized by the advanced in situ TEM technology is introduced,with intermetallic compounds forming and degradation process investigated.The principles and challenges of TEM technology on NVM device study are also discussed.展开更多
Understanding and manipulating the structural evolution of water oxidation electrocatalysts lays the foundation to finetune their catalytic activity.Herein,we present a synthesis of NiSe_(2)-Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O hetero...Understanding and manipulating the structural evolution of water oxidation electrocatalysts lays the foundation to finetune their catalytic activity.Herein,we present a synthesis of NiSe_(2)-Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O heterostructure and demonstrate the efficacy of interfacial Ce_(2)(CO_(3))2O in promoting the formation of catalytically active centers to improve oxygen evolution activity.In-situ Raman spectroscopy shows that incorporation of Ce_(2)(CO_(3))2O into NiSe_(2) causes a cathodic shift of the Ni^(2+)→Ni~(3+) transition potential.Operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals that strong electronic coupling at heterogeneous interface accelerates charge transfer process.Furthermore,density functional theory calculations suggest that actual catalytic active species of NiOOH transformed from NiSe_(2),which is coupled with Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O,can optimize electronic structure and decrease the free energy barriers toward fast oxygen evolution reaction(OER) kinetics.Consequently,the resultant NiSe_(2)-Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O electrode exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance with low overpotentials(268/304 mV@50/100 mA cm^(-2)) and excellent stability(50 mA cm^(-2) for 120 h) in the alkaline electrolyte.This work emphasizes the significance of modulating the dynamic changes in developing efficient electrocatalyst.展开更多
基金supported by Henan Province Science and Technology Research Project(Grant No.242103810058)Natural Science Foundation of Henan(Grant No.252300421104)+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52102346)Henan Key Research and Development Project(Grant No.231111230100)Heluo Youth Talent Project(Grant No.2024HLTJ14)Henan Postdoctoral Research Initiation Project(Grant No.HN2022040 and HN2022048).
文摘Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer(PEMWE)is crucial for the storage and conversion of renewable energy.However,the harsh anode environment and the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),which involves a four-electron transfer,result in a significant overpotential that limits the overall efficiency of hydrogen production.Identifying active sites in the OER is crucial for understanding the reaction mechanism and guiding the development of novel electrocatalysts with high activity,cost-effectiveness,and durability.Herein,we summarize the widely accepted OER mechanism in acidic media,in situ characterization and monitoring of active sites during the reaction,and provide a general understanding of the active sites on various catalysts in the OER,including Ir-based metals,Ir-based oxides,carbon/oxide-supported Ir,Ir-based perovskite oxides,and Ir-based pyrochlore oxides.For each type of electrocatalysts,reaction pathways and actual active sites are proposed based on in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations.Finally,the challenges and strategic research directions associated with the design of highly efficient Ir-based electrocatalysts are discussed,offering new insights for the further scientific advancement and practical application of acidic OER.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22005130,21925404,21902137,21991151,and 22021001)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2019YFA0705400 and 2020YFB1505800)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China(2021J01988)。
文摘Energy storage is an ever-growing global concern due to increased energy needs and resource exhaustion.Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)have called increasing attention and achieved substantial progress in recent years owing to the abundance and even distribution of Na resources in the crust,and the predicted low cost of the technique.Nevertheless,SIBs still face challenges like lower energy density and inferior cycling stability compared to mature lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).Enhancing the electrochemical performance of SIBs requires an in-deep and comprehensive understanding of the improvement strategies and the underlying reaction mechanism elucidated by in situ techniques.In this review,commonly applied in situ techniques,for instance,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Raman spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),and X-ray absorption near-edge structure(XANES),and their applications on the representative cathode and anode materials with selected samples are summarized.We discuss the merits and demerits of each type of material,strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance,and the applications of in situ characterizations of them during the de/sodiation process to reveal the underlying reaction mechanism for performance improvement.We aim to elucidate the composition/structure-per formance relationship to provide guidelines for rational design and preparation of electrode materials toward high electrochemical performance.
基金This study was funded by the Australian Research Council(FT170100224)the Australian Renewable Energy Agency+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(21825501)the Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program.
文摘Electrochemical water splitting has attracted considerable attention for the production of hydrogen fuel by using renewable energy resources.However,the sluggish reaction kinetics make it essential to explore precious-metal-free electrocatalysts with superior activity and long-term stability.Tremendous efforts have been made in exploring electrocatalysts to reduce the energy barriers and improve catalytic efficiency.This review summarizes different categories of precious-metal-free electrocatalysts developed in the past 5 years for alkaline water splitting.The design strategies for optimizing the electronic and geometric structures of electrocatalysts with enhanced catalytic performance are discussed,including composition modulation,defect engineering,and structural engineering.Particularly,the advancement of operando/in situ characterization techniques toward the understanding of structural evolution,reaction intermediates,and active sites during the water splitting process are summarized.Finally,current challenges and future perspectives toward achieving efficient catalyst systems for industrial applications are proposed.This review will provide insights and strategies to the design of precious-metalfree electrocatalysts and inspire future research in alkaline water splitting.
文摘The solid-solid electrode-electrolyte interface represents an important component in solid-state batteries(SSBs),as ionic diffusion,reaction,transformation,and restructuring could all take place.As these processes strongly influence the battery performance,studying the evolution of the solid-solid interfaces,particularly in situ during battery operation,can provide insights to establish the structure-property relationship for SSBs.Synchrotron X-ray techniques,owing to their unique penetration power and diverse approaches,are suitable to investigate the buried interfaces and examine structural,compositional,and morphological changes.In this review,we will discuss various surface-sensitive synchrotron-based scattering,spectroscopy,and imaging methods for the in situ characterization of solid-solid interfaces and how this information can be correlated to the electrochemical properties of SSBs.The goal is to overview the advantages and disadvantages of each technique by highlighting representative examples,so that similar strategies can be applied by battery researchers and beyond to study similar solid-solid interface systems.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2021YFB2206503)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62274159)+1 种基金CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(Grant No.YSBR-056)the“Strategic Priority Research Program”of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB43010102).
文摘Ex situ characterization techniques in molecular beam epitaxy(MBE)have inherent limitations,such as being prone to sample contamination and unstable surfaces during sample transfer from the MBE chamber.In recent years,the need for improved accuracy and reliability in measurement has driven the increasing adoption of in situ characterization techniques.These techniques,such as reflection high-energy electron diffraction,scanning tunneling microscopy,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,allow direct observation of film growth processes in real time without exposing the sample to air,hence offering insights into the growth mechanisms of epitaxial films with controlled properties.By combining multiple in situ characterization techniques with MBE,researchers can better understand film growth processes,realizing novel materials with customized properties and extensive applications.This review aims to overview the benefits and achievements of in situ characterization techniques in MBE and their applications for material science research.In addition,through further analysis of these techniques regarding their challenges and potential solutions,particularly highlighting the assistance of machine learning to correlate in situ characterization with other material information,we hope to provide a guideline for future efforts in the development of novel monitoring and control schemes for MBE growth processes with improved material properties.
基金supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U21A20332,52103226,and 52071226)The Outstanding Youth Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20220061)+2 种基金The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20201171)The Key Research and Development Plan of Jiangsu Province(No.BE2020003-3)The Fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2021M702382).
文摘Gas-involved electrochemical reactions provide feasible solutions to the worldwide energy crisis and environmental pollution.It has been recognized that various elements of the reaction system,including catalysts,intermediates,and products,will undergo real-time variations during the reaction process,which are of significant meaning to the in-depth understanding of reaction mechanisms,material structure,and active sites.As judicious tools for real-time monitoring of the changes in these complex elements,in situ techniques have been exposed to the spotlight in recent years.This review aims to highlight significant progress of various advanced in situ characterization techniques,such as in situ X-ray based technologies,in situ spectrum technologies,and in situ scanning probe technologies,that enhance our understanding of heterogeneous electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction,nitrogen reduction reaction,and hydrogen evolution reaction.We provide a summary of recent advances in the development and applications of these in situ characterization techniques,from the working principle and detection modes to detailed applications in different reactions,along with key questions that need to be addressed.Finally,in view of the unique application and limitation of different in situ characterization techniques,we conclude by putting forward some insights and perspectives on the development direction and emerging combinations in the future.
基金supported by the Research and Development Initiative for Scientific Innovation of New Generation Batteries(RISING)Projects,RISING2[JPNP16001]and RISING3[JPNP21006],commissioned by of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization(NEDO),Japanthe State Scholarship Fund of the China Scholarship Council[No.201906230294]for their support
文摘In this study,ZnO formation during the dissolution-passivation process of Zn anodes is observed via in situ Raman and optical characterization.The Zn passivation during galvanostatic anodization merely follows the dissolution-precipitation model,whereas that of potentiodynamic polarization exhibits different behaviors in different potential ranges.Initially,the Zn electrode is gradually covered by a ZnO precipitation film and then undergoes solid-state oxidation at~255 mV.The starting point of solid-state oxidation is well indicated by the abrupt current drop and yellow coloration of the electrode surface.During the pseudo passivation,an intense current oscillation is observed.Further,blink-like color changes between yellow and dark blue are revealed for the first time,implying that the oscillation is caused by the dynamic adsorption and desorption of OH groups.The as-formed ZnOs then experience a dissolution-reformation evolution,during which the crystallinity of the primary ZnO film is improved but the solid-state-formed ZnO layer becomes rich in oxygen vacancies.Eventually,oxide densification is realized,contributing to the Zn passivation.This study provides new insights into the Zn dissolution-passivation behavior,which is critical for the future optimization of Zn batteries.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22276138,22074104)the National Program for Support of Top-Notch Young Professionals,the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitiesthe Science&Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(22230712800).
文摘Energy-intensive chemical manufacturing is one of the largest contributors to global CO_(2) emissions.With the vigorous development of renewable energy,the electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)has become a sustainable technology for recycling.To broaden the variety of products,the N-integrated electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR(Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR)constructs a new element conversion pathway by introducing nitrogen upon CO_(2)RR.However,the product selectivity of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR is still very low,which seriously restricts its practical application.In recent years,an increasing amount of research has focused on upgrading the performance of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR.Accurate understanding of its catalytic mechanism,that is,obtaining online information about reaction intermediates by in situ characterization techniques,can guide the optimization of electrocatalytic systems.Currently,this method makes great contributions in the field of electrocatalysis,including Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR mechanism research.This review briefly summarizes the research status and existing reaction intermediates of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR and explains how the investigation of intermediates can improve electrocatalytic selectivity.Meanwhile,the application of in situ characterization techniques for analyzing different types of intermediates in Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR and its related fields are emphasized in this review.The significant value of these technologies in revealing electrocatalytic mechanisms can help improve electrocatalytic selectivity,allowing for future optimization of Nsingle bondCO_(2)RR.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants 52371217 and 52104304)the Applied Basic Research Fund of Guangdong Province(Grant 2024B1515020071)the Science and Technology Innovation Plan Project of Hunan Province(Grant 2024RC3217).
文摘With the rapid development of the economy,increasing demand for energy storage and electric vehicles require electrode materials for batteries with high energy density,safety,and cyclability,especially for lithium-ion(Li-ion)battery cathodes.However,the understanding of their degradation mechanism remains insufficient due to the complex battery system,the transient nature of the de/lithiation processes,and the lack of advanced characterization techniques.Among these challenges,the mechanism of the Li-rich layered cathode family with high operating voltage and cationic-anionic hybrid charge compensation is particularly difficult to study.For the Li-rich family,their electrochemical mechanisms,for example,oxygen redox reaction and structural evolution,were almost impossible to completely clarify in terms of conventional characterization techniques until the development of various in situ techniques.It is obvious that advanced in situ techniques have accelerated the pace of scientific truth exploration.In this review,these intricate mechanisms revealed by various in situ techniques are summarized to clarify the failure mechanism of Li-rich layered cathodes,and an outlook on the application of these advanced techniques within different battery systems is provided.This review highlights how in situ devices can clearly reveal complex mechanisms and further provides the consultation on characterization techniques for mechanism exploration in various research fields.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(20822041H4082).
文摘Nickel-based catalysts have emerged as crucial components in alkaline oxygen evolution reactions(OER)due to their exceptional catalytic performance and unique structural properties.However,the understanding of their catalytic mechanisms remains incomplete.This review systematically explores the various types of Ni-based catalysts,including metal-organic frameworks(MOFs),perovskites,and layered double hydroxides(LDHs),while emphasizing their performance metrics.We critically assess the application of advanced in situ characterization techniques,such as in situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS),in elucidating the structural evolution and active species during the OER process.By addressing the interplay between catalyst structure and performance,this review aims to provide insights that drive future research efforts toward the optimization of Ni-based catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.Key areas for potential research advancements are also identified.
基金financial support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant nos.51932005,22072164,and 52161145403)Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program(grant no.XLYC1807175)the Research Fund of Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science,Development Plan of Science and Technology of Jilin Province(grant no.YDZJ202201ZYTS305).
文摘Probing effective strategies to accelerate the transformation of sulfur species and alleviate the accumulation of lithium polysulfides is of profound significance for breaking through the bottlenecks of the intrinsic redox kinetics and shuttle effect of lithium–sulfur batteries(LSBs).Introducing catalysts is regarded as a straightforward approach to reduce the conversion barrier of sulfur species for enhancing the performance of LSBs.However,the catalytic mechanism is elusive due to the time-varying,process-dependent,and enclosed reaction processes.Therefore,monitoring the evolution of catalysts and sulfur species by in situ characterization during the full process of the redox reaction is essential to reveal the kinetics and the mechanism of catalytic conversion,which may promote novel and efficient catalyst design.This review outlines the recent progress of in situ characterization techniques to investigate the catalytic mechanism.We focus on the evaluation of the catalytic effect and clarification of the catalytic mechanism by in situ characterization techniques.In addition,a perspective on improving the in situ characterization methods and linked data analysis are proposed to offer research suggestions in the field.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Project(No.2022YFA1505300)National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.52202372 and 22304021)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(Nos.2023NSFSC0089 and 2023NSFSC0436).
文摘The management of nitrogenous waste emissions presents significant environmental and health challenges.Efficient and sustainable upcycling strategies are needed to convert waste nitrogen compounds into valuable resources.Electrocatalysis has emerged as a promising solution for waste management,but several challenges remain,including the identification of suitable electrocatalysts and understanding the complex reaction mechanisms.In this review,we focus on the progress in electrocatalytic oxidized nitrogen waste upgrading and utilization,highlighting the application of advanced in situ/operando characterization techniques,including X-ray spectroscopy,scanning electrochemical microscopy and others.These techniques provide valuable insights into the structural and chemical properties of electrocatalysts as well as intermediates during electrochemical reactions,enabling a better understanding of reaction mechanisms and optimization of reaction conditions.The review explores the mechanisms of electrocatalytic upcycling of nitrogenous waste,including nitrate/nitrite reduction,nitric oxide reduction,and carbon dioxide and nitrate co-reduction reactions.Additionally,future research directions and development trends are discussed,offering a relevant guide for the development of sustainable electrocatalytic technologies for waste management and resource recovery.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12241502,92045301)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(20720220010)+7 种基金USTC Research Funds of the Double First-Class Initiative(YD2310002012)the Launching Special Funds of Scientific Research for Introduced Talents from University of Science and Technology of China(KY2310000060)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2019YFA0405602)Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation(2408085QB049)the Instruments Center for Physical Science and USTC Center for Micro and Nanoscale Research and Fabrication,University of Science and Technology of Chinathe solid supports from the BL03U,BL10B,and BL12B beamlines of the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory(NSRL,Hefei)the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF,Shanghai)of BL11B(https://cstr.cn/31124.02.SSRF.BL11B)and BL14W1(https://cstr.cn/31124.02.SSRF.BL14W1)beamlines for the assistance on XAFS measurementsAnhui Chuangpu Instruments Co.,Ltd.for the assistance in the test of Table XAFS。
文摘Photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into value-added chemicals holds significant promise for carbon-neutral recycling and solar-to-fuel conversion.Enhancing reaction efficiency by manipulating charge transfer is a key approach to unlocking this potential.In this work,we construct a two-dimensional/twodimensional(2D/2D)FeSe_(2)/protonated carbon nitride(FeSe_(2)/PCN)heterostructure to promote the interfacial charge transfer dynamics,leading to a four-fold improved conversion efficiency of photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction with near 100%CO selectivity.Combining in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,in situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy,and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy,it is revealed that FeSe_(2)acts as an electron acceptor upon photoexcitation,introducing an additional electron transfer pathway from PCN to FeSe_(2)that suppresses radiative recombination and promotes charge transfer.In situ X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy,and density functional theory calculation further unravel that the electron-enriched FeSe_(2)functions as the active sites for CO_(2)activation and significantly reduces the energy barrier of key intermediate COOH*formation,which is the rate-determined step for CO generation.This work underscores the importance of regulating photocarrier relaxation pathways to achieve effective spatial charge separation for promoted photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction and demonstrates the powerful functions of in situ spectroscopies in in-depth understanding of the photocatalytic mechanism.
文摘1 Results Electropolymerized azines are considered an important group of mediators for NAD+/ NADH-based biocatalytic applications[1].Characterizing these electroactive polymers in situ on electrode surface is vital to understand their behavior and properties.We recently studied the polymer deposition on electrodes using imaging ellipsometry (IE) as an in situ technique[2].The observation of surface morphology development can be conducted in cyclic voltammetric cycles in a nanometer scale.We then combine...
基金the fundamental Research Funds for the central Universities(x2wjD2240360)for the funding supportMeanwhile,Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC,EP/V027433/3)+2 种基金UK Research and Innovation(UKRI)under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding(101077226,EP/Y008707/1)Faraday Institution(EP/S003053/1)Degradation project(FIRG001),Royal Society(IEC\NSFC\233361),QUB Agility Fund and Wright Technology and Research Centre(W-Tech,R5240MEE)Funding from UK aid from the UK Government through the Faraday Institution and the Transforming Energy Access Programme(Grant number FIRG050-Device engineering of Zn-based hybrid micro-flow batteries and by-product H2 collection for Emerging Economies)。
文摘Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)face significant challenges in achieving reversibility and cycling stability,primarily due to hydrogen evolution reactions(HER)and zinc dendrite growth.In this study,by employing carefully designed cells that approximate the structural characteristics of practical batteries,we revisit this widely held view through in-operando X-ray radiography to examine zinc dendrite formation and HER under nearpractical operating conditions.While conventional understanding emphasizes the severity of these processes,our findings suggest that zinc dendrites and HER are noticeably less pronounced in dense,real-operation configurations compared to modified cells,possibly due to a more uniform electric field and the suppression of triple-phase boundaries.This study indicates that other components,such as degradation at the cathode current collector interface and configuration mismatches within the full cell,may also represent important barriers to the practical application of AZMBs,particularly during the early stages of electrodeposition.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2016YFA0200200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21688102 and 21825203)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB17020000)。
文摘The formation of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) and ion intercalation are two key processes in rechargeable batteries, which need to be explored under dynamic operating conditions. In this work, both planar and sandwich model lithium batteries consisting of Li metal | ionic liquid electrolyte | graphite electrode have been constructed and investigated by a series of in situ surface analysis platforms including atomic force microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the choice of electrolyte, including the concentration and contents, has a profound effect on the SEI formation and evolution, and the subsequent ion intercalation. A smooth and compact SEI is preferably produced in highconcentration electrolytes, with FSI^(-) salt superior to TFSI^(-) salt, facilitating the lithiation/delithiation to achieve high capacity and excellent cycle stability, while suppressing the co-intercalation of electrolyte solvent ions. The innovative research scenario of well-defined model batteries in combination with multiple genuinely in situ surface analysis methods presented herein leads to insightful results, which provide valuable strategies for the rational design and optimization of practical batteries, and energy storage devices in general.
基金This paper was suported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘In situ x-ray diffraction electrochemical method is used to study the activation of silver electrode in KCl solution and UPD lead on silver electrode surface. We found that the activation makes the silver crystal thicker in (111), and the arrangement of water molecules on the silver electrode surface with UPD lead is partially ordered.
文摘Electrochemical energy conversion technologies involving processes such as water splitting and O_(2)/CO_(2) reduction,provide promising solutions for addressing global energy scarcity and minimizing adverse environmental impact.However,due to a lack of an in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms and the nature of the active sites,further advancement of these techniques has been limited by the development of efficient and robust catalysts.Therefore,in situ characterization of these electrocatalytic processes under working conditions is essential.In this review,recent applications of in situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy for various nano-and single-atom catalysts in energy-related reactions are summarized.Notable cases are highlighted,including the capture of oxygen-containing intermediate species formed during the reduction of oxygen and oxidation of hydrogen,and the detection of catalyst structural transformations occurring with the change in potential during the evolution of oxygen and reduction of CO_(2).Finally,the challenges and outlook for advancing in situ spectroscopic technologies to gain a deeper fundamental understanding of these energy-related electrocatalytic processes are discussed.
基金the Projects of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(19ZR1473800 and 14DZ2260800)the Shanghai Rising-Star Program(17QA1401400)+1 种基金Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST(YESS)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Non-volatile memory(NVM)devices with non-volatility and low power consumption properties are important in the data storage field.The switching mechanism and packaging reliability issues in NVMs are of great research interest.The switching process in NVM devices accompanied by the evolution of microstructure and composition is fast and subtle.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)with high spatial resolution and versatile external fields is widely used in analyzing the evolution of morphology,structures and chemical compositions at atomic scale.The various external stimuli,such as thermal,electrical,mechanical,optical and magnetic fields,provide a platform to probe and engineer NVM devices inside TEM in real-time.Such advanced technologies make it possible for an in situ and interactive manipulation of NVM devices without sacrificing the resolution.This technology facilitates the exploration of the intrinsic structure-switching mechanism of NVMs and the reliability issues in the memory package.In this review,the evolution of the functional layers in NVM devices characterized by the advanced in situ TEM technology is introduced,with intermetallic compounds forming and degradation process investigated.The principles and challenges of TEM technology on NVM device study are also discussed.
基金financially National Natural Science Foundation of China (52363028, 21965005)Volkswagen Foundation (Freigeist Fellowship 89592)+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province (2021GXNSFAA076001)Guangxi Technology Base and Talent Subject (GUIKE AD23023004, GUIKE AD20297039)Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education (Nos. YCSW2024219, YCBZ2024082)。
文摘Understanding and manipulating the structural evolution of water oxidation electrocatalysts lays the foundation to finetune their catalytic activity.Herein,we present a synthesis of NiSe_(2)-Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O heterostructure and demonstrate the efficacy of interfacial Ce_(2)(CO_(3))2O in promoting the formation of catalytically active centers to improve oxygen evolution activity.In-situ Raman spectroscopy shows that incorporation of Ce_(2)(CO_(3))2O into NiSe_(2) causes a cathodic shift of the Ni^(2+)→Ni~(3+) transition potential.Operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals that strong electronic coupling at heterogeneous interface accelerates charge transfer process.Furthermore,density functional theory calculations suggest that actual catalytic active species of NiOOH transformed from NiSe_(2),which is coupled with Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O,can optimize electronic structure and decrease the free energy barriers toward fast oxygen evolution reaction(OER) kinetics.Consequently,the resultant NiSe_(2)-Ce_(2)(CO_(3))_(2)O electrode exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance with low overpotentials(268/304 mV@50/100 mA cm^(-2)) and excellent stability(50 mA cm^(-2) for 120 h) in the alkaline electrolyte.This work emphasizes the significance of modulating the dynamic changes in developing efficient electrocatalyst.
