Van Marum colloquium by dr. Andrew Akbashev from the Paul Scherrer Intsitute (Switzerland) on "Complexity of Electrochemical and Electrocatalytic Reactions on Oxide Materials".

Abstract:
Oxide are often perceived as relatively simple materials that are easy to synthesize and characterize and can provide exceptional electrocatalytic activities. However, the assumed simplicity of oxides has little relation to reality and impedes the real progress toward fundamental understanding of electrocatalytic reactions on such materials. In my talk, I will discuss the complexity of oxide surfaces and oxide-electrolyte interfaces, making an emphasis on the transformations of the surface and bulk under electrocatalytic reactions. In particular, I will argue that powderous material should not be viewed as a substitute for model single-crystalline oxide surfaces and heterostructures when reaction mechanisms are studied.

I will also show how a combination of in situ microscopy techniques can provide insight into the surface and bulk behavior of oxide electrocatalysts. Finally, the implication of oxygen intercalation and bulk transformations, along with our latest results on the oxygen redox processes in oxides, will be discussed.

More information found here.

The "Van Marum Colloquia" is a collaborative lecture series between the LION and LIC institutes, focusing on fundamental and applied surface science.