P. Papa Lopes, D. Strmcnik, V. Stamenkovic and Nenad M. Markovic
Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, USA
Developing and deploying renewable energy technologies will require the application of knowledge, concepts, and tools from a variety of fields including chemistry, materials science, physics and, in particular, electrochemistry. In this presentation we highlight the important achievements in the development of highly active, stable and selective solid-aqueous and solid-organic electrochemical interfaces that will be able to resolve many of the challenging problems related to clean energy production, conversion and storage. A key fundamental issue that will be addressed is the degree to which the fundamental understanding of the synergy between covalent and non‑covalent interactions can form the basis for any predictive ability in tailor making real world catalysts. We argue that achieving this goal needs a hierarchical strategy to define, at atomic/molecular levels, ever more precisely the potential-controlled bond-making and breaking events that are simultaneously controlled by a the structure and nature of surface atoms, and organization of the electrolyte components that operates in the double layer. The range of materials and electrolytes that will be discussed is broad; involving metals, metal/metal-oxides, pure oxides, S-/N-/C-based materials as well as aqueous electrolytes with a wide pH range, impurity-free organic solvents, and model solid electrolytes. Links between aqueous- and organic-based environments will also be addressed, encouraging the “fuel cell” and “battery” communities to move forward together. We conclude, we are witnessing the renaissance of electrochemistry.
